QUETTA, Pakistan (AP) – A roadside bomb detonated on Sunday near a bus transporting security personnel in Naushki, a district located in the southwestern province of Balochistan, resulting in the deaths of at least five officers and injuring 10 others, according to local police reports. Zafar Zamanani, the police chief of the area, indicated that the explosion also caused significant damage to another bus that was nearby. All casualties were rushed to a local hospital for medical attention.

The explosion has prompted strong condemnation from Sarfraz Bugti, the chief minister of Balochistan. He denounced the attack, highlighting the ongoing violence in the region. While no group has claimed responsibility for the bombing at this time, fingers are pointed at the outlawed Baloch Liberation Army (BLA), which has been known for its violent campaigns against security forces and the state.

The BLA recently made headlines following a brutal ambush on a train wherein they took approximately 400 people hostage and killed 26 during the ordeal. The incident escalated into a firefight with security forces that lasted until all 33 attackers were neutralized. This attack on the bus highlights the unstable security environment in Balochistan, where such acts of violence are frequent.

Balochistan is Pakistan's largest and least populated province, rich in oil and mineral resources. Despite its wealth, the ethnic Baloch population has consistently accused the central government of systemic discrimination and neglect, a claim that officials in Islamabad have repeatedly denied. The BLA's longstanding demands for independence underscore the deep-rooted grievances among the local populace.

Such incidents raise serious concerns about the safety and security of law enforcement personnel and civilians in the region, emphasizing the urgent need for effective measures to combat the rising violence and ensure stability in Balochistan.