Bla Blast Kills Soldiers in Balochistan Province
The BLA's claim of responsibility for the attack has raised concerns about the group's activities in the region, and the Pakistani government's allegations of Indian involvement have added to the tensions between the two countries. The UN's warning about the situation spinning out of control highlights the need for urgent diplomatic efforts to prevent further escalation.
A blast in the southwestern province of Balochistan killed seven soldiers, with Pakistan's military blaming India for the attack, claiming the Baloch Liberation Army (BLA) targeted their vehicle with an improvised explosive device.
The attack occurred amid heightened tensions between Pakistan and India, following a shooting attack in India's Pahalgam region that killed 25 Indian tourists and one Nepalese citizen. Pakistan has denied backing the group responsible for the attack, and both countries have taken several steps against each other, including suspending trade, shutting down a land border crossing, and expelling diplomats.
Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif held a security briefing with top officials, while India announced plans for civil defence drills. The UN Secretary-General emphasized the need for restraint and de-escalation, warning that the situation could "easily spin out of control". The BLA has released a video showing an IED blast that targeted Pakistani army soldiers in Mach, Bolan, killing 12 personnel.
The incident occurred in the Kachhi district, and the army is conducting sanitization operations in the area. This is the second major attack in Balochistan in a week, following the killing of 10 terrorists by security forces in the Kech and Ziarat districts. The BLA has claimed responsibility for the attack, which left the soldiers severely injured or dead.
The situation remains tense, with both countries taking measures to ensure their national security. The international community has called for calm and restraint, urging Pakistan and India to engage in dialogue to resolve their differences peacefully.