Seven Pakistani paramilitaries killed in bomb attack in southwest Balochistan

At least seven Pakistani paramilitaries were killed and five were injured in a bomb attack by in southwest Balochistan on Tuesday, AFP reported citing officials.

The Pakistani military in a statement accused the "terrorists" from the Baloch Liberation Army (BLA) of carrying out the attack. The militant organisation has not yet claimed any responsibility of the attack.

The attack occurred around midday in a mountainous area known for its coal mines, a region frequently targeted by separatist groups led by the BLA.

In recent years, violence has intensified in Balochistan, a province bordering Afghanistan and Iran, as militant separatist groups have escalated their campaign against Pakistani authorities, accusing them of exploiting the region’s natural resources.

Since January 1, over 200 people—mostly security personnel—have been killed in attacks by armed groups in Balochistan and neighboring Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa, AFP reported. In March, dozens of militants and off-duty security members were killed when the Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA) seized control of a train carrying hundreds of passengers.