Suicide car bomber attacks school bus in Pakistan, killing at least 5 people

A tragic incident unfolded in Pakistan on Wednesday when a suicide car bomber targeted a school bus, resulting in the deaths of five individuals, including at least three children, and injuring 38 others. The attack took place in Balochistan province, an area plagued by a prolonged insurgency involving various separatist groups, including the outlawed Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA), designated as a terrorist organization by the U.S. in 2019.

Deputy Commissioner Yasir Iqbal disclosed that the bombing occurred on the outskirts of Khuduzar as the bus transported children to their military-operated school. Prompt response from troops led to the swift cordoning off of the area, with ambulances rushing the wounded to nearby hospitals.

While no group immediately claimed responsibility for the attack, suspicions point towards ethnic Baloch separatists known for targeting security forces and civilians in the region. Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi vehemently denounced the act, condemning the perpetrators as “beasts” who exhibited sheer barbarism by targeting innocent children.

Initially reporting four children as casualties, officials later revised the count to include two adults among the deceased. The death toll remains subject to change as several children remain in critical condition.

The military attributed the assault to neighboring India, accusing the country of orchestrating the attack through proxies in Balochistan. The BLA, often implicated in attacks in the province, is believed by Pakistan to have ties to India, though the latter denies such claims.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif extended condolences to the victims’ families, attributing the tragedy to India without presenting concrete evidence. Sharif condemned the assault as an attack on education in Balochistan and pledged to ensure the perpetrators face justice.

Tensions between India and Pakistan have escalated in recent times, with both nations claiming control over the disputed Kashmir region. The BLA’s alleged plea for support from India during the heightened tensions further exacerbated fears of a broader conflict.

As accusations of violence between the two countries persist, Pakistani officials continue to point fingers at India. The situation remains volatile, with concerns lingering over the potential for an all-out war.

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