A deadly suicide bombing struck a passenger train route in Quetta, the capital of Pakistan’s Balochistan province, killing at least 23 people and injuring around 70 others.

According to reports, an explosives-filled vehicle detonated near a railway line as a train carrying approximately 300 military personnel and their families traveled through the area ahead of the Eid holidays.The explosion caused at least two train cars to overturn and catch fire, while nearby vehicles and buildings also suffered severe damage.Authorities stated that many of the injured were transported to hospitals, with about 20 people reported to be in critical condition.Witnesses described scenes of chaos as thick black smoke rose from the damaged train cars and emergency workers attempted to rescue survivors.

The Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA), a separatist militant group seeking independence for the resource-rich province, claimed responsibility for the attack.The group said it intentionally targeted security personnel traveling on the train.

Balochistan has experienced a long-running insurgency involving separatist organizations and militant attacks against Pakistani security forces and infrastructure.

Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif condemned the bombing as a cowardly act of terrorism and vowed that those responsible would be brought to justice.

Balochistan Chief Minister Sarfraz Bugti also denounced the attack and accused India-backed elements of supporting militant violence, allegations that India has repeatedly denied.

The bombing is one of the deadliest recent attacks in the province and highlights the continuing security challenges facing Pakistan in Balochistan, where militant groups have increasingly used large-scale suicide attacks in recent years.