At least 23 people are killed and dozens more injured in a Pakistani attack in Quetta

At least 23 people were killed and about 70 others injured in a major attack Sunday morning after a suicide bomber attacked a passenger train in Pakistan, according to the Associated Press (AP).

The attack – in Quetta, the capital of southwestern Balochistan province – occurred when an explosives-laden vehicle exploded near a railway line as a passenger train passed, causing two carriages to overturn and catch fire. The region has long been the scene of a mild but ongoing insurgency involving separatist and political forces militant groups.

The Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA), a militant separatist group fighting for the province’s secession from Pakistan, reportedly claimed responsibility and said it attacked a train carrying security personnel.

The Times of India reported that the train was carrying army personnel and family members traveling from Quetta to Peshawar for the Eid holidays; AP reported more generally that the BLA said it had targeted a train carrying security personnel. The area is also known for its strong security presence.

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The explosion reportedly sent shockwaves through the area.

According to witness statements and images circulating on social media, the force of the explosion was decisive two wagons overturning and bursting into flames, sending thick black smoke into the sky, the AP said. Surrounding buildings were also heavily damaged and more than a dozen parked vehicles were affected, the outlet added.

Multiple victims were reportedly transported to local hospitals. Of the wounded, about 20 were reportedly in critical condition, according to doctors quoted by The AP.

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Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif strongly condemned the attack, calling it a “cowardly act of terrorism” and saying those responsible would be brought to justice.

“I strongly condemn the heinous bomb blast near Chaman Phatak, Quetta, which resulted in the tragic loss of innocent lives and many injured. Such cowardly terrorist attacks cannot weaken the resolve of the people of Pakistan. We remain steadfast in our resolve to eliminate terrorism in all its forms and manifestations,” he said.

“I express my heartfelt condolences to the families of the victims and pray for the speedy recovery of the injured. The entire nation stands in solidarity with the people of Balochistan in this hour of grief.”

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Balochistan Chief Minister Sarfraz Bugti claimed the group was supported by Indian-sponsored proxies aimed at destabilization Pakistan. The two countries have long been embroiled in a bitter dispute over territorial claims in Kashmir, although India has consistently denied such allegations.

“Fitna Al-Hindustan terrorists demonstrate their cruelty by targeting innocent civilians, women and children,” Bugti said, describing the group as “evil comes from India.”

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“Those who shed the blood of innocent people deserve no leniency. Let the enemy hear this: there will no longer be a safe haven for terrorists in Balochistan. We will hunt down the terrorists, their supporters and their masterminds one by one and bring them to justice and this war will continue until the last terrorist is eliminated.”

According to The Times of India, the BLA has increasingly carried out large-scale suicide attacks against Pakistani security forces and infrastructure in Quetta.

In 2024, a suicide attack on a train station in Balochistan killed at least 26 people, including soldiers.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.