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King Kohli becomes fastest batter to reach 14,000 runs in ODI cricket

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DUBAI, United Arab Emirates — Cricket great Virat Kohli became the fastest batter and third man to reach 14,000 runs in one-day international cricket on Sunday, before going on to hit a record-extending 51st century in the ODI format.

Kohli started the day on 13,985 runs and was batting in his 287th innings in India’s Group A game against Pakistan at the Champions Trophy.

RELATED NEWS : ICC Champions Trophy 2025: Gill’s Unbeaten Ton Guides India to Tense Victory Over Bangladesh

He powered the chase to finish on 100 not out — hitting the winning boundary — as India beat Pakistan by six wickets with 45 balls remaining.

“We lost Rohit (Sharma) early and my job was to control the middle overs against spin without taking too many risks,” Kohli said. “It allowed me to play my usual ODI game.”

India’s Sachin Tendulkar was the previous quickest batter to reach 14,000 ODI runs, taking 350 innings. Tendulkar still tops the overall ODI runs scored with 18,426 in 452 innings. Another retired batting great, Sri Lankan Kumar Sangakkara, finished his career with 14,234 runs in 380 innings.

Arch rivals India and Pakistan played at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium despite Pakistan hosting the tournament because India is playing its league games – and potential knockout matches – in the United Arab Emirates.

India's Virat Kohli plays a shot during the ICC Champions Trophy cricket match between India and Pakistan at Dubai International Cricket Stadium, United Arab Emirates, Sunday, Feb. 23, 2025. (AP Photo/Altaf Qadri)

India’s Virat Kohli plays a shot during the ICC Champions Trophy cricket match between India and Pakistan at Dubai International Cricket Stadium, United Arab Emirates, Sunday, Feb. 23, 2025. (AP Photo/Altaf Qadri)

India's Virat Kohli plays a shot during the ICC Champions Trophy cricket match between India and Pakistan at Dubai International Cricket Stadium, United Arab Emirates, Sunday, Feb. 23, 2025. (AP Photo/Altaf Qadri)

India’s Virat Kohli plays a shot during the ICC Champions Trophy cricket match between India and Pakistan at Dubai International Cricket Stadium, United Arab Emirates, Sunday, Feb. 23, 2025. (AP Photo/Altaf Qadri)

India's Virat Kohli plays a shot during the ICC Champions Trophy cricket match between India and Pakistan at Dubai International Cricket Stadium, United Arab Emirates, Sunday, Feb. 23, 2025. (AP Photo/Altaf Qadri)

India’s Virat Kohli plays a shot during the ICC Champions Trophy cricket match between India and Pakistan at Dubai International Cricket Stadium, United Arab Emirates, Sunday, Feb. 23, 2025. (AP Photo/Altaf Qadri)

India's Virat Kohli hits winning runs during the ICC Champions Trophy cricket match between India and Pakistan at Dubai International Cricket Stadium, United Arab Emirates, Sunday, Feb. 23, 2025. (AP Photo/Altaf Qadri)

India’s Virat Kohli hits winning runs during the ICC Champions Trophy cricket match between India and Pakistan at Dubai International Cricket Stadium, United Arab Emirates, Sunday, Feb. 23, 2025. (AP Photo/Altaf Qadri)

Pakistan's Babar Azam, second left, and Imam-ul Haq, right, greets India's Virat Kohli, left, and Axar Patel, second right, after India won the ICC Champions Trophy cricket match against Pakistan at Dubai International Cricket Stadium, United Arab Emirates, Sunday, Feb. 23, 2025. (AP Photo/Altaf Qadri)

Pakistan’s Babar Azam, second left, and Imam-ul Haq, right, greets India’s Virat Kohli, left, and Axar Patel, second right, after India won the ICC Champions Trophy cricket match against Pakistan at Dubai International Cricket Stadium, United Arab Emirates, Sunday, Feb. 23, 2025. (AP Photo/Altaf Qadri)


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A train in Sri Lanka collided with a herd of elephants, resulting in the deaths of six animals

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Colombo, Sri Lanka (AP) – A passenger train struck a herd of elephants near a wildlife sanctuary in Sri Lanka, killing six of the animals, including four calves, officials said Thursday.

The tragic collision occurred near Minneriya, a well-known wildlife hotspot about 200 kilometers (124 miles) from Colombo. The Minneriya National Park is famous for its thriving elephant population and attracts thousands of tourists each year.

Details of the Incident

According to Hasini Sarathchandra, a spokesperson for the Department of Wildlife Conservation, the accident resulted in the derailment of the train’s engine and several compartments. However, no passengers were injured, a railway official confirmed, though he declined to be named as he was not authorized to speak to the media.

The wildlife department has launched an investigation into the incident.

Growing Threats to Sri Lanka’s Elephant Population

Minneriya National Park is part of the “elephant corridor”, a vital route connecting Kaudulla and Wasgamuwa National Parks, allowing elephants to migrate between habitats. However, increasing habitat loss and human encroachment have pushed elephants closer to human settlements and transport routes in search of food and water, making them vulnerable to accidents.

Rising train collisions have become a growing concern in Sri Lanka. According to government statistics, nine elephants have been killed by trains so far in 2024, following 24 deaths in 2023. Besides train accidents, elephants also face threats from poaching, human-wildlife conflict, and habitat destruction.

Although elephants hold a sacred status in Sri Lanka’s culture, their population has declined drastically over the years. The first official elephant census in 2011 estimated 6,000 elephants remained in the country, a sharp drop from 14,000 in the 19th century.

With increasing human-elephant conflicts and ongoing habitat degradation, conservationists are calling for urgent measures to protect these majestic animals before their numbers dwindle further.

Canada Declares Mexican Drug Cartels, Tren de Aragua, MS-13 as Terrorist Organizations After U.S. Action

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Toronto, Canada – Canada has officially designated seven Latin American criminal organizations—including five major Mexican drug cartels, Venezuela’s Tren de Aragua, and El Salvador’s MS-13—as terrorist entities. This decision follows a similar move by the United States, which recently classified these groups as Foreign Terrorist Organizations (FTOs).

Canada’s Announcement

Public Safety Minister David McGuinty made the announcement in Ottawa, citing the growing threat these organizations pose to public safety, particularly through their role in drug trafficking and violence. Canada’s list includes:

  • Cártel de Sinaloa
  • Cártel de Jalisco Nueva Generación (CJNG)
  • Cártel del Golfo (CDG)
  • La Nueva Familia Michoacana (LNFM)
  • Cárteles Unidos (CU)
  • Tren de Aragua (TdA)
  • Mara Salvatrucha (MS-13)

Notably, Canada did not include the Cártel del Noreste (CDN), which was designated as a terrorist organization by the U.S.

Justification for the Designation

McGuinty emphasized that these transnational criminal organizations are deeply involved in the production and distribution of fentanyl, which has fueled Canada’s opioid crisis. By labeling them as terrorist groups, Canadian law enforcement will have greater legal authority to target their operations, including freezing assets and imposing tougher criminal penalties.

“These cartels are responsible for widespread violence, including assassinations, kidnappings, and attacks on government officials. They destabilize nations and threaten public safety across North America,” McGuinty stated.

U.S. Action and Regional Impact

The move comes just one day after the U.S. government, under President Donald Trump’s administration, added these same groups to its list of terrorist organizations. The U.S. designation allows for enhanced sanctions, asset freezes, and law enforcement cooperation against these criminal networks.

In response, Mexico’s President Claudia Sheinbaum announced two constitutional reforms aimed at preventing foreign intervention in Mexico’s internal security matters. This signals growing tensions between Mexico and its North American allies over how to handle drug cartels.

Global Reach of These Organizations

These cartels and criminal groups are not only a threat in Latin America but have extended their reach globally. For example:

  • Tren de Aragua (TdA), originating in Venezuela, has expanded into Colombia, Peru, Chile, and other South American nations, engaging in extortion, kidnappings, and assassinations.
  • MS-13, which started in Los Angeles, has become one of the most violent gangs in Central America, operating in El Salvador, Honduras, Guatemala, Mexico, and the U.S.
  • Cártel de Sinaloa and CJNG are among the world’s largest drug trafficking organizations, responsible for large-scale fentanyl production and distribution.

Consequences of the Designation

With this designation, all financial assets linked to these groups in Canada and the U.S. will be frozen. Canadian citizens and businesses are now prohibited from providing any form of support to these organizations. Additionally, law enforcement agencies will have expanded powers to investigate and prosecute individuals associated with these groups.

What’s Next?

Canada’s move aligns with growing international efforts to combat organized crime and drug-related violence. The question remains whether other nations, particularly Mexico, will take similar steps or push back against these designations. Meanwhile, law enforcement agencies across North America are expected to intensify their crackdown on these powerful criminal networks.


SOURCE : EFE. |  Follow Us: Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | Youtube |

Israel Bus Explosions: Authorities Suspect Militant Attack, No Casualties Reported

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Bat Yam, Israel – A series of explosions on three parked buses rocked Bat Yam, a city near Tel Aviv, on Thursday in what authorities suspect was a militant attack. No injuries were reported, but the blasts raised concerns over security as Israel continues its ongoing conflict with Hamas.

Explosives Found on Multiple Buses

Israeli police discovered two additional explosive devices on other buses that failed to detonate. The bombs were identical, equipped with timers, and appeared to be professionally assembled, police spokesman Asi Aharoni told Channel 13 TV. Bomb squads quickly defused the unexploded devices.

The Shin Bet internal security agency has taken over the investigation, while Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is being regularly briefed on the developments. Police spokesman Haim Sargrof noted that the explosives bore similarities to devices used in the West Bank, though he declined to provide further details.

Investigation Underway

Authorities are investigating whether a single suspect was responsible for planting the bombs or if it was a coordinated attack involving multiple perpetrators. The burned-out remains of the buses have been thoroughly examined by forensic teams searching for clues.

The head of the bus company, Ofir Karni, said that all buses in the fleet were temporarily halted for inspections before being allowed to resume normal service. Bat Yam Mayor Tzvika Brot called it a “miracle” that no one was harmed, as the buses had already completed their routes when the explosions occurred.

Potential Links to West Bank Militants

A group claiming to be affiliated with Hamas’ Qassam Brigades in the West Bank city of Tulkarem posted a message on Telegram, vowing to “take vengeance for our martyrs”, though they did not explicitly claim responsibility for the attack.

Israel’s military has intensified its security operations in the West Bank following Hamas’ October 7, 2023 attack, conducting frequent raids on suspected militants. In response to Thursday’s explosions, the Israeli military imposed restrictions on Palestinian movement and sealed off certain areas of the West Bank.

Calls for Vigilance

Despite heightened security concerns, Mayor Brot urged Bat Yam residents to continue their daily routines while remaining alert. Schools will remain open on Friday, and public transport services are expected to operate as usual.

This attack comes on a day of national mourning, as Hamas returned the bodies of four hostages as part of a ceasefire deal. The bus bombings serve as a stark reminder of the deadly attacks that occurred during the Palestinian uprising in the 2000s, though such incidents have become far less common in recent years.


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Diplomats from Five Nations Present Credentials to President Droupadi Murmu

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New Delhi, India – Diplomats from Denmark, Palestine, Panama, Sudan, and Guyana officially presented their credentials to President Droupadi Murmu in a formal ceremony held at Rashtrapati Bhavan on Thursday.

The presentation of credentials marks the beginning of their diplomatic responsibilities in India, reinforcing bilateral ties and cooperation between these nations and India.

Envoys Who Presented Their Credentials

The diplomats who presented their credentials to President Murmu included:

  • Alonso Correa Miguel, Ambassador of Panama
  • Dharamkumar Seeraj, High Commissioner of Guyana
  • Mohammed Abdalla Ali Eltom, Ambassador of Sudan
  • Rasmus Abildgaard Kristensen, Ambassador of Denmark
  • Abdullah Mohammad A. Abushawesh, Ambassador of Palestine

In a post on X (formerly Twitter), the President’s Secretariat shared details of the ceremony, stating:

“President Droupadi Murmu received credentials from Mr. Alonso Correa Miguel, Ambassador of the Republic of Panama; Mr. Dharamkumar Seeraj, High Commissioner of the Cooperative Republic of Guyana; and Dr. Mohammed Abdalla Ali Eltom, Ambassador of the Republic of Sudan, at Rashtrapati Bhavan.”

Rasmus Abildgaard Kristensen, the Ambassador of Denmark, presenting his credentials to President Droupadi Murmu on Feburary 20, 2025. Photo : PIB

Strengthening Diplomatic Relations

The credential presentation is a key diplomatic tradition, symbolizing mutual recognition and the commitment of these nations to fostering stronger political, economic, and cultural ties with India. The event also provided an opportunity for discussions on expanding bilateral cooperation in various sectors, including trade, education, technology, and international peace efforts.

India continues to play a crucial role in global diplomacy, welcoming new envoys and strengthening its international partnerships.


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ICC Champions Trophy 2025: Gill’s Unbeaten Ton Guides India to Tense Victory Over Bangladesh

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Dubai, UAE – In-form Shubman Gill delivered a match-winning performance with an unbeaten 101, steering India to a nervy six-wicket win over Bangladesh in their ICC Champions Trophy 2025 opener in Dubai.

Chasing a tricky 229 on a difficult pitch, India rode on Gill’s second successive ODI century to seal the win with 21 balls to spare. The victory reinforced India’s status as title favorites, with all their matches in the tournament being played in Dubai International Cricket Stadium due to their refusal to tour host nation Pakistan amid ongoing political tensions.

Shami’s Five-Wicket Haul Wrecks Bangladesh

Pace spearhead Mohammed Shami set the stage for India’s win, delivering a devastating opening spell to reduce Bangladesh to 35-5 before they recovered to post 228 all out after electing to bat first. Shami finished with 5-53, claiming his sixth five-wicket haul in ODIs.

Bangladesh’s innings was rescued by Towhid Hridoy, who struck his maiden ODI century (100 off 118 balls), and Jaker Ali (68). The pair stitched together a crucial 154-run partnership for the sixth wicket after a horror start, capitalizing on sloppy Indian fielding, including two dropped catches.

India’s Shubman Gill smashes a six during the match against Bangladesh. Photo: Altaf Qadri/AP

India’s Chase: Gill Anchors After Early Jolts

India began their chase confidently with Rohit Sharma and Gill striking regular boundaries. Rohit became only the 10th batsman—and fourth Indian—to surpass 11,000 ODI runs before falling for 41 to Taskin Ahmed.

The crowd erupted as Virat Kohli walked in, but he took 10 balls to get off the mark and was eventually dismissed for 22, miscuing a shot off Rishad Hossain. A flurry of wickets followed as Axar Patel (12) and Shreyas Iyer (8) also departed, leaving India at 144-4.

Gill, however, remained composed, forming a match-winning 87-run unbeaten stand with *KL Rahul (41)**. Rahul was given an early reprieve when Jaker Ali dropped him at deep mid-wicket, and India never looked back. Gill reached his eighth ODI century, sealing the win in style.

Shami Steps Up in Bumrah’s Absence

With Jasprit Bumrah ruled out of the tournament due to a back injury, Shami stepped up as India’s bowling leader. He struck in the first over, dismissing Soumya Sarkar for a duck, before Axar Patel’s double strike left Bangladesh reeling at 28-3.

Despite India’s early dominance, missed chances allowed Bangladesh to rebuild. Rohit Sharma dropped a crucial catch at first slip, denying Axar a hat-trick, while Hardik Pandya also put down a sitter at mid-off.

Jaker and Towhid capitalized on these errors, frustrating India’s bowlers. However, Shami returned to dismiss Jaker, and Towhid’s 118-ball effort, which included six fours and two sixes, ended as Bangladesh were bowled out for 228.

Post-Match Reactions

India captain Rohit Sharma admitted his team felt the pressure at times.
“Yes, we were under a bit of pressure with the bat, but in games like this, that’s expected. Shubman showed great composure and took us over the line.”

Bangladesh skipper Najmul Hossain Shanto acknowledged his team’s poor start cost them the game.
“Losing five wickets inside 10 overs made it very hard to recover. We also made mistakes in the field with dropped catches and missed runouts. Those moments could have changed the game.”

What’s Next?

India’s next match is a high-voltage clash against arch-rivals Pakistan on Sunday, a game expected to draw massive global viewership. Meanwhile, Bangladesh will take on New Zealand in Rawalpindi on Monday, hoping to bounce back after their opening loss.


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Arab leaders to meet in Saudi over Gaza reconstruction, forced displacement concerns

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 Riyadh, Saudi Arabia – Saudi Arabia will host an Arab summit on Friday, bringing together Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) members, Egypt, and Jordan to discuss the reconstruction of Gaza and counter US President Donald Trump’s plan to expel Palestinians from the war-torn enclave.

Diplomats from Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Qatar, Kuwait, Oman, Bahrain, Egypt, and Jordan will meet in the Saudi capital to address the situation in Gaza.

The meeting aims to present a unified Arab response to Trump’s controversial proposal to displace Palestinians forcibly, diplomatic sources told EFE.

Taiwan reports biggest Chinese warplane incursion in 3 months

Taipei, Taiwan – Taiwan’s defense ministry reported Wednesday the highest number of Chinese aircraft incursions in the past three months, a few days after the United States State Department removed a text from its website in which it said it did not support the island’s independence.

In its latest daily report, the military portfolio said 33 aircraft, including fighter jets, bombers and helicopters, crossed the median line of the Taiwan Strait and entered the northern, eastern and southwestern region of the self-proclaimed Taiwanese Air Defense Identification Zone.

The number of incursions is the highest since Nov. 4, when 37 Chinese warplanes crossed the Strait dividing line and entered the zone.

“The Armed Forces of (Taiwan) have monitored the situation and used mission aircraft, naval vessels and coastal missile systems in response to the detected activities,” the defense ministry said.

This came after the US State Department’s website update, a decision criticized by Beijing, who consider the island to be an inalienable part of China.

“They must stop manipulating issues related to China and play a constructive role towards peace and development in the region,” said Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesman Guo Jiakun on Monday, who also urged the US to “correct its mistakes,” to “stop interfering in China’s internal affairs” and “not send wrong signals to the separatist forces that advocate Taiwanese ‘independence.’”

The island is one of the main points of friction between China and the US, since Washington is Taipei’s main arms supplier and would be its biggest military ally in the event of a war with Beijing. 


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Turkey’s Deception in Peacemaking with the Kurds: A Strategy to Prolong Conflict and Manipulate Public Perception

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Exclusive – Approximately thirty million Kurds reside in the Middle East, mainly in Iran, Iraq, Syria, and Turkey, where they make up nearly one-fifth of the country’s seventy-nine million people.

Founded by Abdullah Öcalan in 1978, the Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK) has led an insurgency against Turkish authorities since 1984, seeking greater cultural and political rights, with the primary goal of establishing an independent Kurdish state. The conflict has claimed nearly forty thousand lives.

How Peace Can’t Be Made?

An essential goal of pre-negotiations is ensuring that all parties are genuinely committed to the peace process. Critical elements in this phase include:

  • Logistics, including the location of talks
  • Security arrangements for each party
  • Representation from both sides
  • A clear timeframe for each stage of negotiations
  • The role and responsibilities of third-party states
  • Managing the final stage before signing to prevent failure

Turkey has consistently failed to commit to the last two essential requirements of peacemaking. It often complicates negotiations with unrealistic demands and involves actors with no direct stake in the conflict. For instance, Turkey has misused legal Kurdish political parties, fabricating excuses to shut them down later. It has also manipulated Iraqi Kurdish parties, which align more with Turkey’s interests than those of Kurdish people within Turkey.

Despite engaging in direct negotiations with the PKK, Turkey continues to label the group as a terrorist organization, even when incidents attributed to the PKK were in fact orchestrated by Turkish military and intelligence operations to frame them. This allows Turkey to use terrorism as a delegitimization tool against the PKK, falsely portraying it as rejecting peace while Turkey itself manufactures excuses to terminate the peace process.

How to Create Obstacles to the Peace Process?

Turkey frequently accuses the United States and other NATO allies of supporting the PKK against Turkey. It claims that the Kurds are “separatists” seeking to dismantle Turkey by establishing an independent Kurdish state. Furthermore, Turkey portrays the Kurds as terrorists fighting a NATO member, arguing that NATO must side with Turkey against them. Given that Kurds live across four regional countries, Turkey alleges that external support for Kurdish rights is a direct attack on its sovereignty. To justify ending the peace process, Turkey often fabricates incidents through false-flag operations, providing pretexts to abandon negotiations.

How to Manipulate the International Community and Media?

Turkey has paid and volunteer allies within international media and diplomatic platforms who are activated whenever the Turkish government signals them. These individuals or entities propagate narratives favoring Turkey while undermining the Kurdish cause.

The most recent peace talks began informally in October 2024, involving several meetings between the pro-Kurdish DEM Party and PKK leader Abdullah Öcalan in İmralı Island Prison. However, Turkey then diverted the process by engaging with the Iraqi Kurdish Regional Government, which has well-known pro-Turkey policies and has even participated alongside Turkish forces in armed operations against the PKK.

On February 18, 2025, Turkish authorities arrested 282 individuals affiliated with the DEM Party or connected to the peace process. This move exposed Turkey’s unwillingness to sign a peace agreement with the Kurds, demonstrating once again that Turkey prioritizes sustaining conflict over achieving a lasting resolution.


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Gunmen Kill Seven Bus Passengers in Ethnic Attack in Balochistan

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Balochistan, Pakistan – Unidentified gunmen killed seven passengers traveling in a bus from Quetta to Lahore, targeting them based on their ethnicity, police reported on Wednesday. The attack occurred in the restive Barkhan district along the National Highway.

According to authorities, militants stopped the bus in the Rarkan area, forcibly removed the passengers after checking their identity cards, and led them to a nearby hill where they were executed.

RELATED NEWS : Explosion in Pakistan’s Balochistan kills 11 coal miners, injures 7, with 2 in critical condition

“Armed men stopped the passenger bus on the national highway in the dark and shot dead seven passengers after identifying them,” Rizwan Ullah, a police official at the Barkhan police headquarters, told EFE.

He further stated that the victims, all hailing from Punjab province, were shot in the chest and head. Security forces arrived at the scene and cordoned off the area, while the bodies were transferred to the district hospital.

In response, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif condemned the attack and ordered security agencies to bring the perpetrators to justice. “Those who harm the lives and property of innocent citizens will have to pay a heavy price,” the Prime Minister’s Office said in a statement, emphasizing the government’s commitment to eliminating terrorism from the country.

Rising Ethnic Attacks in Balochistan

Balochistan has witnessed an escalation of ethnic attacks in recent years, with Baloch insurgents frequently targeting laborers and civilians from Punjab. The insurgents accuse the federal government of exploiting the province’s natural resources while marginalizing its local population.

Last year, militants carried out multiple attacks targeting non-Baloch civilians. In May, seven barbers from Punjab were shot dead near Gwadar, while in August, 23 travelers were offloaded from buses and executed in the Musakhail district.

Security forces in Balochistan have long battled sectarian, ethnic, and separatist violence. The province, which borders Afghanistan and Iran, has been a hotbed for insurgency and militancy, with attacks sharply increasing in recent years.

A Pattern of Escalating Violence

The latest attack follows a disturbing pattern of growing militancy in the region. Last year, separatist militants killed at least 39 people in coordinated strikes, predominantly targeting ethnic Punjabis. In November, the Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA) claimed responsibility for a bombing at Quetta’s main railway station, which left 26 dead, including 14 soldiers.

In addition to ethnic attacks, insurgents have frequently targeted infrastructure and foreign investment projects, particularly those linked to China, accusing external actors of exploiting Balochistan’s mineral wealth while sidelining local communities.

With tensions in Balochistan rising, security forces remain on high alert as the government vows to intensify operations against insurgents. However, experts warn that without addressing the underlying grievances of Baloch nationalists, such violence is likely to persist.


SOURCE : EFE. |  Follow Us: Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | Youtube |