Nushki IED explosion kills three Pakistani soldiers, including a major; Baloch Liberation Army claims responsibility

Three Pakistani army personnel, including a major, were killed in a bomb blast on Tuesday night in Balochistan’s Nushki district. The incident also left three others injured, highlighting the ongoing security challenges faced by the region. The attack marks a significant development in the escalating violence in Balochistan, where militant groups have intensified their operations.

According to local sources, the attack occurred around 8:00 pm when an improvised explosive device (IED) targeted a military vehicle in the Gargina area of Nushki. The vehicle was reportedly bulletproof, yet the powerful explosion caused multiple casualties among the personnel traveling in the convoy. The precise nature of the attack suggests careful planning and intelligence gathering by the assailants.

The deceased have been identified as Major Rizwan, Naib Subedar Ameen, and Lance Naik Younis. Their loss is a blow to the Pakistani military, which has been engaged in counterinsurgency operations across Balochistan. The injured personnel are reported to be in serious condition, though no further details about their identities or current status have been released.

The Baloch Liberation Army (BLA) claimed responsibility for the attack through a statement issued by its spokesperson, Jeeyand Baloch. He described the operation as an “intelligence-based attack” conducted in the Gargina area, using a remote-controlled IED. BLA authorities stated that the attack was based on intelligence provided by their wing, “ZIRAB,” and expressed pride in their operational capabilities.

In the aftermath of the incident, the Pakistan Army has yet to issue an official response. The attack, however, underscores the growing threat posed by Baloch insurgent groups, who have targeted military personnel at various levels. This escalation suggests a shift in tactics, with militants now capable of conducting more sophisticated and targeted operations.

The Nushki bombing is part of a series of high-profile attacks in Balochistan since mid-July, which have resulted in the deaths of at least four senior military officers. In Awaran district, Major Syed Rabnawaz Tariq was killed in an ambush claimed by the Balochistan Liberation Front (BLF). Meanwhile, Major Anwar Kakar died in Quetta in a magnetic bomb blast carried out by the BLA’s Special Tactical Operations Squad (STOS).

Observers believe that the increasing targeting of officers at this level indicates that Baloch armed groups have expanded their operational and intelligence capabilities. Experts suggest that this trend not only demonstrates their growing military strength but also aims to exert psychological pressure on the Pakistani military and government, complicating efforts to restore stability in the region.