PAKISTAN TRAIN BOMBING RAISES BALOCHISTAN SECURITY PRESSURE

A suicide bombing targeting a train in Quetta, Pakistan, killed more than 30 people, according to provincial officials cited by Reuters. The attack took place Sunday in Balochistan, Pakistan’s southwestern province, and struck a shuttle train carrying security personnel and their families as they travelled toward a connection with the Jaffar Express for Eid al-Adha travel.

Initial casualty figures varied as authorities responded to the blast. The Associated Press reported at least 23 people killed and more than 70 wounded, while Reuters later reported that provincial officials said the death toll had risen above 30. Pakistan’s government and military had not released an official final death toll at the time of Reuters’ report, meaning casualty numbers may still change.

Pakistan’s railways ministry said the explosion derailed the engine and three coaches, with two coaches overturning, according to Reuters. The Baloch Liberation Army claimed responsibility and described the attack as a suicide bombing, though Reuters said it could not independently verify the claim. The group said it targeted security personnel, while reports indicated families and civilians were also among those affected.

The attack adds pressure to Pakistan’s security posture in Balochistan, a mineral-rich province bordering Iran and Afghanistan. The Baloch Liberation Army has fought for decades over what it describes as the exploitation of regional resources and the denial of a fair share to local people. Balochistan is also home to major Chinese-backed development projects, including the deep-sea port at Gwadar.

The train attack follows earlier violence on the same rail corridor. In 2025, Baloch Liberation Army militants hijacked the Jaffar Express in Balochistan, with Pakistan’s military later reporting 31 deaths, including soldiers, railway employees, and passengers. Reuters reported that the military said it rescued more than 300 hostages and killed 33 insurgents during that operation.

For Islamabad, the bombing is likely to reinforce concerns over rail security, separatist attacks, and the protection of routes connected to military movement and civilian travel. For regional partners, including China, it also raises questions about the durability of infrastructure and investment projects in a province where militant groups have repeatedly targeted state-linked and strategic assets.

Fact-check date: 25 May 2026
Sources: Reuters, Associated Press, Al Jazeera

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