A suicide bomber driving a car targeted a school bus in Pakistan on Wednesday, resulting in the deaths of five individuals, including at least three children. Officials reported that 38 others were injured in the attack.

The bombing occurred in Balochistan province, a region plagued by a long-standing insurgency involving various separatist groups. Among these groups is the Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA), which has been outlawed and designated as a terror group by the U.S. in 2019.

Yasir Iqbal, a local deputy commissioner, stated that the attack took place on the outskirts of Khuduzar as the bus transported children to a military-operated school.

Following the attack, troops secured the area, and ambulances transported the injured to hospitals.

While no group has claimed responsibility, ethnic Baloch separatists, known for targeting security forces and civilians in the region, are likely suspects.

Pakistan’s Interior Minister, Mohsin Naqvi, strongly condemned the attack, expressing profound grief over the deaths of the children. He described the attackers as “beasts” who deserve no mercy and accused them of “sheer barbarism” for targeting innocent children.

Initial reports indicated four children were killed; however, the death toll was later revised to include two adults. Authorities have warned that the number of fatalities could increase, as several children are in critical condition.

The military described the bombing as a “cowardly and ghastly attack” allegedly orchestrated by , with “its proxies in Balochistan” carrying it out.

The BLA claims responsibility for most attacks in the province, and Pakistan alleges that India supports the group. India has denied these allegations.

Pakistan’s Prime Minister, Shehbaz Sharif, also offered his condolences and, without providing evidence, blamed India for the attack.

“The attack on a school bus by terrorists backed by India is clear proof of their hostility toward education in Balochistan,” Sharif stated, promising to bring the perpetrators to justice.

Pakistani officials routinely accuse India of instigating violence within their country. These accusations have escalated amid increased tensions between the two nations since last month over the disputed Himalayan region of Kashmir. Both countries control parts of Kashmir but claim complete sovereignty.

This escalation has raised concerns of a larger conflict. During this period, the BLA appealed to India for assistance, though India has not responded to the appeal.

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