A blast targeting a train in Pakistan's southwestern Balochistan province has killed at least 24 people and injured dozens more, officials confirmed. The explosion occurred on a train carrying military personnel and their families ahead of the Eid holiday.
According to officials, the train was traveling through Balochistan when it was attacked. Multiple sources reported that the explosion killed at least 24 people, though one outlet, BBC, reported a death toll of at least 20, and the Financial Times reported at least 16 killed. Al Jazeera reported that more than 50 people were injured in the attack, while Nikkei Asia reported more than 30 injured.
The attack took place in Quetta, the capital of Balochistan province. According to the South China Morning Post, a senior official stated that the blast was caused by an explosive-laden car targeting the train. GB News reported that a suicide bomber targeted the train carrying military personnel.
Officials say the train had been transporting military personnel home for Eid when it was attacked. The Financial Times reported that a separatist group claimed responsibility for the attack in the capital of the restive south-western Balochistan province. BBC reported that the train was attacked by armed separatists.
Pakistan's prime minister, Shehbaz Sharif, said he strongly condemned the "heinous bomb explosion" and sent his condolences to the victims' families, according to Euronews.
Balochistan is Pakistan's largest province by area and has experienced ongoing conflict. The Financial Times described it as a "restive south-western" province, while the South China Morning Post referred to it as "turbulent."
France24 reported that several of the injured were in critical condition. The outlet had a correspondent, Shahzaib Wahlah, reporting live from Islamabad, Pakistan.
The attack adds to the history of violence in Balochistan, where separatist groups have previously targeted security forces and infrastructure. The train was specifically carrying military personnel and their families at the time of the explosion.
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