Seven Pakistani Soldiers Killed in IED Blast in Balochistan Amid Rising Militancy

The Baloch Liberation Army has claimed responsibility for the deadly attack, the latest in a string of violent incidents targeting security forces and state infrastructure in the restive province.

May 6, 2025: Quetta, Pakistan – In a fresh wave of violence in Pakistan’s Balochistan province, seven soldiers of the Pakistan Army were killed on Tuesday when their military vehicle was struck by an improvised explosive device (IED), the country’s military confirmed in an official statement.

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The deadly ambush occurred in the southwestern Kalat district, a region long plagued by insurgency. The banned Baloch Liberation Army (BLA), a key separatist group in the province, claimed responsibility for the attack.

This comes just two days after BLA militants hijacked a police prison van in a separate incident, abducting five officers while freeing prisoners. The militants, reportedly numbering between 30 and 40, intercepted the police convoy on a highway, burned government buildings, and briefly engaged in a firefight with security forces — resulting in the deaths of two militants.

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A rescue operation to recover the kidnapped officers is ongoing, security officials said.

Background on Balochistan Insurgency

Balochistan, Pakistan’s largest and resource-rich province, shares borders with Iran and Afghanistan. For decades, it has been a hotbed of separatist insurgency, with groups like the BLA frequently attacking state forces, infrastructure, and foreign investments — especially Chinese-backed projects under the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC).

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In March 2025, BLA insurgents hijacked a passenger train, taking hundreds of civilians hostage and killing off-duty security personnel during a tense three-day standoff. Another roadside bombing in April left four security personnel dead in Quetta, underscoring the volatility in the region.

While Pakistani authorities continue to mount counter-insurgency operations, attacks like Tuesday’s IED blast reflect the persisting threat from Baloch militants.

Tags:
Pakistan Army, Balochistan Blast, Kalat IED Attack, BLA Attack, Baloch Insurgency, Pakistan Militancy, BLA Terrorism, Separatist Violence, Pakistan Security Crisis