Over 20 killed, several injured as explosion rocks train carrying Pak soldiers in Balochistan; BLA claims responsibility
PTC News Desk: At least 24 people killed and several others injured after an explosives-laden car rammed into a train carrying military personnel in Pakistan's turbulent southwestern province of Balochistan.
According to reports, the train was passing a signal at Chaman Pattak in Quetta when a car with explosives hit one of its carriages - resulting in a huge blast.
Shortly after the blast, the Baloch Liberation Army (BLA) claimed responsibility for what it described as a 'fidayeen' or suicide attack targeting Pakistani military personnel travelling on a train.
According to the police officials, explosion caused extensive damage in the adjoining areas, shattering windows and glass panes of nearby buildings. Several houses and vehicles parked close to the railway line were also damaged in the impact.
As the rescue operation remained underway security officials cordoned off the area soon after the incident.
Balochistan's Special Assistant for Home Affairs, Babar Yousafzai, said authorities have launched investigation and are collecting the evidence and further details will be shared after the verification. He added that all relevant institutions had been placed on alert and urged residents to avoid gathering near the blast site while rescue work continued.
"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. The Baloch Liberation Army accepts full responsibility for this operation. 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," the BLA said.
- With inputs from agencies
