The Baloch Liberation Army (BLA) has released video footage purportedly showing its recent attack on buses carrying Pakistani soldiers along the RCD Highway near Nushki. The group claims the assault resulted in at least 90 fatalities. The video depicts multiple buses traveling along a road when one is struck by an apparent suicide bombing. Fighters from the BLA’s Fateh Squad are seen filming the assault from close range. A later still image features a Fateh Squad fighter holding captured weapons next to the body of a Pakistani soldier.

Earlier on the same day, two buses transporting Pakistani security personnel were ambushed near Nushki, a district west of Quetta. Officials confirmed that the attack specifically targeted military personnel. BLA spokesperson Jeeyand Baloch issued a brief statement, asserting that the operation was executed by the group’s "Fidayeen" Unit, Majeed Brigade, in coordination with its frontline Fateh Squad. According to the BLA, the attack began with a vehicle-borne improvised explosive device (VBIED) detonated by a suicide bomber. Following the explosion, Fateh Squad advanced and allegedly "systematically eliminated" all soldiers aboard a second bus. The group claims 90 Pakistani soldiers were killed.

A senior official in Nushki confirmed that an explosion targeted a military convoy of seven buses and two accompanying vehicles along the RCD Highway, which connects Quetta and Taftan. The convoy was reportedly en route from Quetta to Nokkundi when the blast occurred near a flour mill on the outskirts of Nushki. The remaining vehicles then came under attack with rockets and heavy gunfire. Security sources indicated that one bus suffered severe damage, leading to at least 11 confirmed deaths and 32 injuries.

Several of the wounded remain in critical condition, and authorities anticipate the death toll may rise. Eyewitnesses reported that security forces swiftly cordoned off the site, preventing civilian access. Shortly after the explosion, two military helicopters were seen patrolling over Nushki as security operations intensified. Residents described the blast as “powerful,” with the explosion being heard across a wide radius.

This incident marks the second large-scale BLA operation within days. Earlier, the group hijacked the Jaffar Express train in Balochistan’s Bolan region, taking 214 Pakistani military personnel hostage. Following the hijacking, the BLA issued a 48-hour ultimatum, demanding the “unconditional release” of Baloch political prisoners, missing persons, and activists. The group warned of executing the hostages if their demands were ignored. On Friday, the BLA announced that all 214 hostages had been executed, blaming Pakistani authorities for failing to engage in negotiations. Spokesperson Jeeyand Baloch accused the government of “military arrogance” and disregarding the “ground realities.” "As a result of this stubbornness, all 214 hostages have been executed," the BLA statement declared.

Following the Nushki attack and the Jaffar Express hijacking, authorities have placed Quetta on high alert. The Zehri Flyover, located behind Quetta Cantonment, has been closed indefinitely due to security concerns. A heavy deployment of security personnel has been observed across the city, with multiple checkpoints established. Earlier intelligence reports warned that over 200 armed insurgents from Baloch armed groups were present in Quetta and could target government buildings, the provincial assembly, or Quetta Cantonment. Authorities have intensified snap-checking operations along major roads, advising government officials to exercise extreme caution.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif denounced the Nushki attack, calling it a “cowardly act of terrorism.” In a post on X, he expressed condolences to the victims’ families and vowed decisive action against those responsible. Balochistan Chief Minister Sarfaraz Bugti also condemned the attack, stating that "four attackers were killed" during the security response. He warned that any group attempting to destabilize Balochistan "will face severe consequences."

Meanwhile, Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi accused “anti-state elements” of attempting to undermine Pakistan’s stability.

Nushki is situated approximately 130 kilometers west of Quetta and about 50 kilometers from the Afghan border. The region has been a hotspot for insurgency-related violence for years. In February 2022, the BLA’s Majeed Brigade known as its most lethal unit conducted simultaneous "fidayeen" (suicide) attacks on security camps in Nushki and Panjgur. The group claimed to have killed over 90 Pakistani soldiers, including Frontier Corps personnel, Special Services Group (SSG) commandos, and Elite Commandos. In April 2024, unidentified militants intercepted a passenger bus near Nushki and executed nine individuals. The BLA later claimed responsibility, asserting that the victims were Pakistani intelligence operatives.

Disclaimer: This image is taken from the Indian Express.