Baloch rebels trigger IED blast, 10 Pakistani soldiers killed

Ten Pakistani paramilitary personnel were killed in a powerful IED explosion in the Margat area of Balochistan, around 30 kilometers from Quetta. The incident, which occurred on Friday morning, has been claimed by the Baloch Liberation Army (BLA), a banned separatist group that has been actively targeting Pakistani military convoys in the region.

According to reports, a security vehicle carrying the personnel was struck by a remote-controlled improvised explosive device (IED) while patrolling near Margat Chowki. The force of the blast reportedly obliterated the vehicle, killing all 10 personnel on board instantly.

In an official statement, the BLA confirmed responsibility for the attack and named several of the deceased, including Subedar Shehzad Ameen, Naib Subedar Abbas, and Sepoys Khalil, Zahid, and Khurram Saleem. The group referred to the Pakistani military as an "occupying enemy" and vowed to intensify its operations across the province.

“The Baloch Liberation Army accepts responsibility for this attack and makes it clear that our operations against the occupying enemy army will continue with intensity,” the group said. The statement emphasized that the attack was part of its long-standing campaign for what it calls “freedom from Pakistani military occupation.”

This blast comes at a time when tensions between India and Pakistan are already at a peak following the recent terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, which left 26 dead. Pakistan has reportedly begun shifting troops from Balochistan and Afghan borders to the Line of Control in anticipation of further escalations.

Balochistan has long been a restive region where separatist groups have frequently targeted military assets. The BLA, in particular, has carried out a series of high-profile attacks in recent years, often claiming responsibility in strongly-worded statements directed at the Pakistani government and armed forces.