A devastating explosion rocked a train-station in south-west Pakistan on saturday morning‚ leaving 24 dead and over 40 hurt (many in life-threatening condition)
The blast hit Quettaʼs main rail-hub when a Peshawar-bound express train was getting ready to leave; sixteen members of Infantry School were among those who lost their lives. Commissioner Hamza Shafqat confirmed military losses while Police Chief Mouzzam Jah Ansari pointed out that army personnel were the main target
The Baloch Liberation Army took credit for this attack: they want to split from Pakistan and control the provinceʼs copper gold and gas deposits. Located near Afghan and Iranian borders this region of 15 million people sees many such attacks - just 3 months ago militants hit police-stations and transport routes causing 73 deaths
- Railway lines
- Police stations
- Major highways
Muhammad Baloch from police operations says it looks like a suicide-bomber did this but they need more info. Hospital spokesperson Wasim Baig told about 44 injured brought to civil hospital
The province hosts big China-backed projects including a port and mining operations but local militant groups dont agree with how government uses these resources