What Happened in Pakistan's Balochistan with the Car Bomb Attack?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Car bomb explosion in Balochistan has resulted in fatalities and injuries.
- Targeted attack aimed at tribal warlord Faizullah Ghabizai.
- Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) has claimed responsibility.
- Increased security measures in response to the attack.
- Evidence of coordination between TTP and Baloch Liberation Army (BLA).
Quetta, May 19 (NationPress) A devastating car bomb explosion in the Gulistan Area of Qila Abdullah, a border locality in Pakistan's Balochistan province near Afghanistan, has tragically resulted in the deaths of at least four individuals and left over 20 others injured, with eight sustaining critical injuries.
The incident took place in the Jabbar commercial market along the Quetta–Chaman National Highway in Gulistan town, which is in close proximity to the fort of Pakistan's Frontier Corps (FC).
Reports indicate that the powerful explosion caused extensive destruction to numerous shops and vehicles in the vicinity, while also damaging the walls of the FC Fort. Local witnesses noted that many shops in the market caught fire as a result.
Sources suggest that the attack was aimed at tribal warlord Faizullah Ghabizai, a pro-government figure who was present in the market during the blast. Fortunately, Ghabizai escaped unharmed, although one of his guards lost his life and several others were injured.
Deputy Commissioner Muhammad Riaz Dawar commented, "It appears that the attackers intended to strike the rear wall of the FC fort adjacent to the market. Following the explosion, security forces engaged in a fierce exchange of gunfire with the assailants."
According to officials, an Improvised Explosive Device (IED) was implanted in the car, and it seems the vehicle was detonated remotely.
The banned militant group, Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), has claimed responsibility for the assault on the FC Fort, prompting investigations by law enforcement, while security measures in and around Qila Abdullah and Chaman have been significantly heightened.
Analysts have observed a clear collaboration between the outlawed Baloch Liberation Army (BLA) and the TTP, who have escalated their attacks in recent times.
Analyst Qamar Cheema stated, "The presence of TTP deep within Balochistan confirms that both the TTP and BLA are working together against Pakistani security forces. We have also seen other separatist factions in the Sindh province, including the Sindh Desh Revolution Army, which has ties to both the BLA and TTP, undertaking targeted killings in areas bordering India."
Pakistan has consistently asserted that these militant factions receive support and facilitation from Afghanistan.
The BLA has ramped up its attacks on security personnel in the province, and social media campaigns led by BLA-affiliated groups are calling for what they term liberation from Pakistan, while also expressing solidarity with India.