Seven Pakistani soldiers killed, 21 injured in Balochistan convoy attack

The attack reportedly took place in the restive Balochistan province, where separatist groups have been engaged in a long-running insurgency against the Pakistani state.

At least seven Pakistani soldiers were killed and 21 injured in an attack on a military convoy traveling from Quetta to Taftan on Sunday, according to official sources. The Baloch Liberation Army (BLA) has, however, claimed responsibility for the assault, alleging that 90 military personnel were killed in what they described as a coordinated operation.

In a statement, the BLA said its Fidayee unit, the Majeed Brigade, carried out a Vehicle-Borne Improvised Explosive Device (VBIED) attack on the convoy near Rakhshan Mill on the RCD Highway in Noshki. “The convoy consisted of eight buses, one of which was completely destroyed in the explosion,” the statement read.

The insurgent group further claimed that following the initial attack, its Fateh Squad advanced and surrounded another bus, systematically eliminating all military personnel on board.

Noshki Station House Officer (SHO) Zafarullah Sumalani, as cited by Pakistani daily Dawn, confirmed the attack and said initial investigations suggest it was a suicide bombing. "Evidence from the site indicates that a suicide attacker rammed an explosive-laden vehicle into the Frontier Corps (FC) convoy," he said.

Emergency measures have been implemented at Noshki Teaching Hospital and the FC Camp, where the injured are receiving treatment, stated the report by Dawn. Officials fear the death toll could rise as several injured remain in critical condition.

Balochistan has witnessed an increase in insurgent activity in recent months, with groups like the BLA targeting security forces in their ongoing separatist movement.

(This is a developing story)