BLA claims attack on Pakistan military train near Quetta killed 82 soldiers

The banned separatist outfit Baloch Liberation Army on Monday claimed responsibility for a major attack targeting a Pakistani military train near Quetta Cantonment in Pakistan’s Balochistan province, alleging that 82 soldiers were killed and 121 others injured.

In a statement issued by the group’s Majeed Brigade, the BLA said the attack targeted a military shuttle train near Chaman Phatak on the outskirts of Quetta Cantonment railway station. The group claimed the operation involved its fidayeen unit along with its intelligence wing “ZIRAB.”

According to the statement, those allegedly killed or injured included officers, non-commissioned officers, soldiers and recruits from multiple units of the Pakistani Army.

The BLA claimed the assault followed “extensive surveillance and intelligence gathering” and said a suicide attacker struck the train around 8 am local time.

The separatist group further alleged that the Pakistani military had introduced secret transport arrangements for troops after previous BLA attacks on railway infrastructure in Balochistan.

Describing the incident as a “major blow” to Pakistan Army security arrangements in the restive province, the BLA reiterated its opposition to the Pakistani state’s presence in Balochistan.

There was no immediate confirmation from the Pakistani military regarding the casualty figures or the claims made by the BLA.

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