Quetta, May 24: Baloch Liberation Army (BLA) today carried out a massive attack on Pakistani military personnel travelling on a train in occupied Balochistan, killing and injuring over 150 soldiers.
The train was attacked by a suicide bomber, using a vehicle laden with explosives, at around 8 am (Pakistan time).
It was carrying nearly 350 Pakistani soldiers who were picked up from the Quetta Cantt and were on their way to their respective native places in Pakistan, according to reports.
The explosion was so powerful that it caused overturning of a bogie of the train and led to a massive fire, which engulfed even the buildings in the vicinity.
As per eye witnesses, at least 40 bodies were taken to the nearby government hospital and over 130 were injured.
The death toll is likely to increase as many of the injured personnel are said to be in critical condition.
Baloch Liberation Army (BLA), which is fighting militarily for the independence of Balochistan from Pakistan, has claimed responsibility for the attack.
“This morning, the Majeed Brigade, the fidayee (self-sacrificing) unit of the Baloch Liberation Army, targeted a train transporting personnel of the occupying forces from Quetta Cantt in a highly organized fidayee attack,” BLA spokesman Jeeyand Baloch said in the brief statement to NVI.
He added that detailed information regarding the operation, “along with the specific material and human casualties inflicted upon the enemy as a result of the attack”, will be released shortly in an official statement to the media. (NVI)
