The Baloch Liberation Army (BLA) has taken credit for a significant attack on a military shuttle train near Chaman Phatak, located on the outskirts of Quetta Cantonment railway station. According to a report from The Balochistan Post (TBP), the group alleges that 82 Pakistani military personnel were killed and over 121 others injured in this operation. The assault was described as a “highly complex, organised, and joint operation,” executed by the BLA’s Majeed Brigade, which is its fidayee unit, and the ZIRAB intelligence wing.

Reportedly, the targeted military shuttle was transporting army personnel from Quetta Cantonment, intended to be attached to the Jaffar Express. The BLA’s spokesperson, Jeeyand Baloch, asserts that the victims of the attack included junior commissioned officers, non-commissioned officers, regular soldiers, and newly recruited individuals from various military units. These units encompassed the Frontier Force Regiment, Baloch Regiment, Punjab Regiment, Field Artillery, Signals, Cavalry, and the EME Centre.

Identification of the Attacker

The BLA identified the individual responsible for the attack as Bilal Shahwani, who is also known by the alias Saahin. He is reportedly a fidayee commander within the Majeed Brigade. The group indicated that the operation specifically targeted Pakistan military’s newly established travel protocol, which was allegedly instated as a response to past incidents, including the Jaffar Express hijacking and the November 2024 Quetta railway station attack.

Under this newly revised security framework, it is reported that railway carriages were moved into the high-security Quetta Cantonment area during the night and only attached to the Jaffar Express shortly before its departure. Personnel who were either on leave or reporting for deployment reportedly boarded the shuttle from within the cantonment itself.

In addition, the BLA claimed that the Pakistani military had heightened security measures along the route, including the deployment of Quick Response Force personnel equipped with heavy weaponry near Koila Phatak and the Pishin Stop bridge, as well as foot patrols from permanent military posts.

Reactions and Statements from the BLA

The BLA claims that approximately 336 military personnel were present on the train at the time of the attack, which occurred around 8 am near Chaman Phatak. The BLA alleged that 74 heavily armed soldiers onboard were unable to respond effectively after the explosion.

In response to official reports that described the casualties as civilians, the BLA accused Pakistani authorities and state media of attempting to downplay what they termed a “security and intelligence failure.” They insisted that the train was exclusively for military personnel and maintained that civilian access to the area was prohibited.

Ongoing Campaign for Sovereignty

In their conclusion, the BLA reiterated their demand for complete sovereignty and independence for Balochistan. They asserted that their armed struggle against the Pakistani state will continue despite increased security measures being implemented in response to this incident, as reported by TBP.

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