Baloch Liberation Army Strikes Again: Deadly Attack on Pakistani Military Convoy, 90 Pakistani Soldiers Dead

Days after the deadly Jaffar Express attack, the Baloch Liberation Army (BLA) launched a significant assault on a Pakistani military convoy traveling from Quetta to Taftan. The attack, which occurred near Rakhshan Mill on the RCD Highway in Noshki, Balochistan, resulted in conflicting casualty reports. While the BLA claimed that 90 Pakistani soldiers were killed, official sources confirmed at least seven deaths and 21 injuries.

The attack was executed using a Vehicle-Borne Improvised Explosive Device (VBIED), possibly a suicide bombing, along with rocket-propelled grenades (RPGs). One of the convoy’s buses was completely destroyed in the explosion. Following the initial blast, BLA militants reportedly surrounded another bus, claiming to have eliminated all personnel inside. This version of events, however, remains unverified.

The Pakistani military swiftly responded, evacuating the wounded and deceased to nearby hospitals. The convoy, consisting of seven buses, was en route to Taftan, a border town near Iran, when the attack occurred.

Balochistan’s Chief Minister, Sarfraz Bugti, condemned the attack, which initially had no claim of responsibility. However, the BLA later acknowledged its involvement, stating that its elite Majeed Brigade had executed the operation. The same group was responsible for the recent Jaffar Express hijacking, where nearly 30 hostages were killed before Pakistani forces neutralized the attackers.

Balochistan has long been a flashpoint of insurgency, with the BLA fighting for independence from Pakistan. The region, despite being resource-rich, remains underdeveloped, fueling grievances among the local Baloch population. While Islamabad denies allegations of discrimination, the increasing frequency of attacks indicates a worsening security situation.