Curfew imposed in Mastung’s Khud Kocha after bus attack, bridge blast

An indefinite curfew has been imposed in the Khud Kocha sub-tehsil of Mastung district following a gun attack on a passenger bus and a separate explosion that damaged a bridge on the National Highway. The bus attack, targeting a Karachi-bound vehicle, resulted in three fatalities and five injuries.

The Balochistan Home Department cited the deteriorating security situation as the reason for the curfew, which began Wednesday evening and remains in effect until further notice. Residents are prohibited from leaving their homes, and all non-essential movement is banned. "Strict legal action will be taken against anyone found violating the curfew orders," warned Babar Yousafzai, spokesperson for the Home Department, urging citizens to cooperate with authorities.

The attacks occurred shortly after security forces conducted intelligence-based operations in Mastung and Surab districts over the preceding 48 hours. During these operations, the military reported killing 10 terrorists and apprehending two female suicide bombers along with their facilitator.

Police stated that armed individuals on nearby mountains opened fire on the passenger coach in the Garo area of Khud Kocha tehsil. Security forces and rescue teams responded swiftly, transporting the injured and deceased to the District Headquarters Hospital in Mastung. An investigation into the attack is underway.

Traffic on the Quetta-Karachi National Highway was suspended for several hours after a bridge in the Anjari area of Khud Kocha was damaged by an explosive device. While the blast caused significant damage and halted traffic, no casualties were reported. Authorities later made arrangements for small vehicles to pass. Security forces initiated a search operation in the area following the explosion.

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Strict legal action will be taken against anyone found violating the curfew orders.