Soon after the attack, security forces launched an immediate counter operation, killing four terrorists, including the suicide bomber.
According to security sources, the attack was carried out by militants from the banned Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA).
Indian Media reported that At least seven Pakistani soldiers were killed and 21 injured after their convoy, travelling from Quetta to Taftan, was attacked on Sunday. While official sources confirmed seven deaths, the Baloch Liberation Army (BLA) claimed responsibility for the attack, alleging that 90 military personnel had been killed.
A statement by a Pakistani official said, “A security forces convoy travelling from Quetta to Taftan was attacked. The convoy, consisting of seven buses and two vehicles, was targeted. One of the buses was hit by a vehicle loaded with IEDs, possibly a suicide attack, while another was targeted by Rocket-Propelled Grenades (RPGs).”
Army Aviation helicopters have been deployed to ferry the injured and drones have been launched for surveillance of the area, the official said.
According to reports, a vehicle loaded with IEDs collided with one of the military buses. It was, reportedly, a suicide bombing.
Noshki Station SHO Zafarullah Sulemani said that initial reports suggest it was a suicide attack. Evidence collected from the scene indicates that the suicide bomber deliberately rammed the explosive-laden vehicle into the military convoy.
He further mentioned that the death toll could rise, and the injured have been shifted to a nearby hospital.
A total of 90 Pakistani military personnel were killed in an attack on their convoy on Sunday, claimed the Baloch Liberation Army (BLA).
“The Majeed Brigade, the Fidayee unit of the Baloch Liberation Army, targeted a convoy of the occupying Pakistani military a few hours ago in a VBIED Fidayee attack near Rakhshan Mill on the RCD Highway in Noshki. The convoy consisted of eight buses, one of which was completely destroyed in the explosion,” a statement by the BLA said
It added, “Immediately after the attack, the Fateh Squad of the BLA advanced and completely surrounded another bus, systematically eliminating all military personnel on board, bringing the total number of enemy casualties to 90.”
The BLA said that it would release further details about the attack soon.
Balochistan Chief Minister Sarfraz Bugti condemned the attack and expressed grief over the deaths of the soldiers.
Following the attack, an emergency was declared at hospitals in Nushki to treat the injured.
Meanwhile, security forces have cordoned off the area and launched a clearance operation, blocking all potential escape routes for militants.
Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi strongly condemned the blast near a passenger bus on the Nushki-Dalbandin Highway, which claimed five lives. Expressing his grief, he extended condolences to the victims' families and wished a swift recovery for the injured.
In a statement shared by the Ministry of Interior on X, Naqvi denounced the attack as an act of brutality, emphasising that anti-state elements were attempting to destabilise the country.
However, he asserted that such cowardly acts would not shake the nation's resolve.
Meanwhile, Balochistan Chief Minister Sarfraz Bugti also condemned the blast near a passenger bus on the Nushki-Dalbandin highway, expressing sorrow over the loss of lives.
He vowed to bring those responsible to justice, stating that such cowardly attacks will not shake the government's resolve.
He reaffirmed that terrorists will find no refuge in Balochistan, and the state will ensure peace at all costs. Bugti further asserted that those who harm innocent civilians will face severe consequences.
He declared that the fight against terrorism will continue until the last militant is eliminated, adding that every citizen of Balochistan stands indebted to the sacrifices of the nation’s martyrs.
In a statement, Balochistan govt spokesperson Shahid Rind emphasised that hostile elements are attempting to destabilize the country, but acts of terrorism will not weaken public morale.
It should be noted that Balochistan has experienced frequent incidents of violence with security forces and civilians often targeted in attacks
The attack comes just days after a major terrorist incident in Bolan district, where Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA) militants targeted the Jaffar Express and took over 440 passengers hostage.
In response, security forces launched a complex clearance operation, killing 33 attackers and successfully rescuing the hostages. The attack also resulted in 26 civilian and security personnel fatalities.
