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Twin Blows in Balochistan: Ten Soldiers Killed in IED Blast, Nine Militants Eliminated in CTD Operation
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Balochistan witnessed a deadly escalation in violence on Friday, with two separate but closely timed incidents that left ten army personnel dead and nine suspected militants neutralised in a counter-terrorism operation.
In the early hours of the day, a Pakistani military convoy was struck by a remote-controlled improvised explosive device (IED) in the Margat area near Quetta. The powerful blast completely destroyed a vehicle belonging to the army&rsquo;s bomb disposal unit, killing all ten personnel on board. The Baloch Liberation Army (BLA), an outlawed separatist group, swiftly claimed responsibility for the attack.
A video released by the BLA showed thick plumes of black smoke rising from the wreckage, reportedly of the military vehicle. The group&rsquo;s spokesperson, Jeeyand Baloch, described the strike as part of an &ldquo;ongoing armed resistance&rdquo; against what the group refers to as an &ldquo;occupying enemy army,&rdquo; and warned of further intensified operations.
Among the personnel killed were Subedar Shehzad Ameen, Naib Subedar Abbas, Sepoy Khalil, Sepoy Zahid, and Sepoy Khurram. The convoy had been on routine patrol duty when it was targeted. Three others were wounded in the attack and shifted to the Combined Military Hospital (CMH) for treatment.
President Asif Ali Zardari condemned the bombing, offering condolences to the families of the fallen and paying tribute to the sacrifices of the armed forces. Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi also expressed deep sympathies and prayed for the swift recovery of the injured.
Just hours later, the Counter-Terrorism Department (CTD) launched a high-stakes operation in the Khanoi Baba area of Pishin district, acting on intelligence regarding a militant hideout. A fierce gun battle ensued, resulting in the deaths of nine suspected militants.
CTD officials reported the recovery of a significant cache of weapons, including automatic rifles and explosives. The deceased were believed to be involved in multiple violent incidents threatening regional security, and investigations are ongoing to dismantle their wider network.
Chief Minister Sarfaraz Bugti praised the CTD&rsquo;s rapid response and reaffirmed the provincial government's commitment to supporting security forces in the battle against terrorism. &ldquo;Those who attempt to spread terror and destabilise our province will not be spared,&rdquo; he stated.
Friday&rsquo;s events mark one of the bloodiest days in recent months in Balochistan, underscoring the persistent threat posed by insurgent groups and the state&rsquo;s ongoing counterinsurgency efforts. The twin incidents highlight the volatility of the region, where both militants and security forces continue to engage in a protracted and deadly contest for control.

BLA blows up Army convoy in IED blast in Quetta

IED blast kills 10 soldiers in Quetta; CTD guns down 9 militants in swift Pishin op

Twin Blows in Balochistan: Army, Militants Dead

IED blast kills 10 soldiers in Quetta; CTD guns down 9 militants in swift Pishin op

April 26, 2025 | 09:36 IST