Train attack in Pakistan's Balochistan kills at least 24
At least 24 people were killed and more than 30 wounded when a vehicle-borne explosive struck a passenger train in Pakistan's Balochistan province. Officials said the attack was claimed by the Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA).
Pakistan Railways director-general Aamir Ali Baloch said the explosion occurred on Saturday morning in Bolan district near Quetta, when a vehicle was driven into the path of the train. The blast hit the locomotive and first carriage of the Jaffar Passenger Train travelling from Karachi to Peshawar.
Balochistan health-ministry spokesman Bakhat Kakar said the death toll could rise as rescue work continues, with 13 of the wounded in critical condition. Major General Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry, the Pakistan army spokesman, said security operations had been expanded in the area and investigations were under way to identify the cell behind the attack.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif expressed his 'deep sorrow' and declared a national day of mourning. Türkiye's foreign ministry said it 'condemned in the strongest terms' the attack, while Asif Durrani, the UN Secretary-General's Pakistan envoy, said attacks on civilian transport infrastructure require an investigation in line with international law.
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