The Baloch Liberation Army (BLA) has taken responsibility for the explosion targeting a shuttle of the Jaffar Express in Balochistan province. The BLA’s spokesperson, Jayend Baloch, stated that the attack was carried out by the BLA’s fidayeen unit, “Majeed Brigade.” The incident specifically targeted Army personnel traveling on the train, resulting in casualties.
The blast occurred near Chaman Phatak as the train was en route from Quetta Cantt to Quetta Railway Station. The explosion caused three coaches, including the engine, to derail, with two bogies completely overturning. Pakistan’s Federal Minister for Railways, Haniff Abbasi, confirmed that 27 individuals lost their lives, and 131 others sustained injuries in the attack. The death toll may rise as some of the injured are in critical condition.
The BLA identified the attacker as 25-year-old Bilal Shahwani, also known as Sain, a member and commander of the Majeed Brigade’s suicide unit. Shahwani, a resident of Sariab locality in the Shaal area, joined the Baloch Resistance Movement for Independence in 2020. The BLA spokesperson highlighted the successful targeting of Army personnel on the Jaffar Express, emphasizing the BLA’s intelligence capabilities and Commander Bilal Shahwani’s combat skills. The spokesperson noted a shift in the Baloch national resistance towards a modern military structure focused on collective national objectives.
