Balochistan [Pakistan] May 25 (ANI): The Baloch Liberation Army (BLA) has claimed responsibility for a deadly attack on a military shuttle train near Chaman Phatak, on the outskirts of Quetta Cantonment railway station, alleging that 82 Pakistani military personnel were killed and over 121 others injured in the operation, according to a report by The Balochistan Post (TBP).

As cited by the TBP report, BLA spokesperson Jeeyand Baloch described the assault as a 'highly complex, organised, and joint operation' carried out by the group's Majeed Brigade, its 'fidayee' unit, and intelligence wing ZIRAB. The group claimed the targeted train was a special military shuttle transporting Pakistani Army personnel from Quetta Cantonment to be attached to the Jaffar Express.

The statement, as mentioned by TBP, alleged that those killed and injured included junior commissioned officers (JCOs), non-commissioned officers (NCOs), regular soldiers, and newly recruited personnel from multiple army units, including the Frontier Force Regiment, Baloch Regiment, Punjab Regiment, Field Artillery, Signals, Cavalry, and the EME Centre.

The BLA identified the attacker as Bilal Shahwani, also known as Saahin, whom it described as a 'fidayee' commander of the Majeed Brigade. According to the report, the group claimed the operation targeted Pakistan military's 'new and clandestine travel protocol,' which was allegedly introduced following the Jaffar Express hijacking and the November 2024 Quetta railway station attack.

The TBP report stated that under the revised security arrangement, railway carriages were reportedly moved inside the high-security Quetta Cantonment area during the night before being attached to the Jaffar Express shortly before departure. Military personnel travelling on leave or reporting for deployment allegedly boarded the shuttle from inside the cantonment.

The BLA further claimed that the Pakistani military had increased security measures along the route, including the deployment of Quick Response Force personnel with heavy weapons near Koila Phatak and the Pishin Stop bridge, alongside foot patrols from permanent military posts.

As cited by TBP, the group alleged that its intelligence wing, ZIRAB, conducted long-term reconnaissance of military movements, schedules, and internal communications before carrying out the attack. The statement claimed the operation was timed with 'meticulous precision,' asserting that even a five-minute difference could have altered the outcome.

The BLA claimed that around 336 military personnel were aboard the train when the attack took place at approximately 8 am near Chaman Phatak. It further alleged that 74 heavily armed soldiers on board were unable to respond following the blast.

Rejecting official accounts that reportedly described the casualties as civilians, the BLA accused Pakistani authorities and state media of attempting to conceal what it termed a 'security and intelligence failure.' The group maintained that the train was exclusively designated for military personnel and stated that civilian access to the area was prohibited.

In its concluding remarks, the BLA reiterated its demand for 'complete Baloch sovereignty and independence,' asserting that its armed campaign against the Pakistani state would continue despite heightened security measures, as mentioned in the TBP report. (ANI)