A car bomb exploded near a market in Qillah Abdullah, Balochistan, late Sunday, killing four people and injuring at least 20 others. The blast occurred close to the Pakistan-Afghanistan border and caused damage to nearby shops and a paramilitary complex. Emergency teams responded quickly, and the injured were taken to local hospitals. Authorities began clearing debris soon after the explosion. No group has claimed responsibility, but officials suspect ethnic Baloch separatists.
Baloch separatist groups, especially the banned Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA), have carried out similar attacks in the past. Pakistani authorities often blame the BLA for targeting civilians and security personnel in the region. The Balochistan government condemned the bombing and confirmed that an official investigation is underway. The area has seen decades of insurgency, with separatists demanding independence or greater autonomy. Earlier in March, BLA fighters attacked a train in Balochistan, killing 33 people, mostly military personnel. Officials continue to monitor separatist activities, especially near sensitive border zones.
The BLA recently appealed to India for political, diplomatic, and military support. In a statement released on May 11, the group denied acting as an Indian proxy but called for cooperation. They threatened to launch new attacks near the Afghan border if India supports their cause. Pakistan has accused India of supporting both the BLA and the Pakistani Taliban, but India has not responded to these claims. Tensions between India and Pakistan have increased amid these developments and ongoing cross-border conflicts. The region remains unstable, with experts warning that further attacks could happen soon.
The recent car bombing in Qillah Abdullah highlights the continuing violence in Balochistan. Authorities are investigating the incident and keeping a close watch on separatist threats. The call for external support adds complexity to the conflict. The situation is developing, and updates will follow as more information becomes available.