US Condemns ‘Heinous’ Khuzdar School Bus Bombing That Killed 6, Including 4 Children - Bio Points News

Khuzdar, Pakistan (May 21, 2025): The United States has strongly condemned a suicide bombing targeting a school bus in Khuzdar, Balochistan, which killed six people, including four children, and injured over 30 others. The attack, labeled “brutal” and “unconscionable,” has heightened tensions, with Pakistan accusing Indian-backed militants of orchestrating the violence, a claim India denies.

The explosion struck Wednesday morning near Zero Point as the Army Public School bus, carrying 46 students, headed to the military-run institution. Balochistan Chief Minister Sarfraz Bugti confirmed the deaths of four students, the bus driver, and his assistant, with critically injured children airlifted to Quetta’s Combined Military Hospital (CMH). Khuzdar’s deputy commissioner reported over 30 injuries, with preliminary findings suggesting a vehicle-borne improvised explosive device (IED) detonated by a suicide bomber.

U.S. Stands with Pakistan

Natalie A. Baker, U.S. Chargé d’Affaires in Islamabad, expressed outrage in an X post: “We join Pakistan’s leaders in condemning the brutal, unconscionable attack on a school bus in Khuzdar, Balochistan. The murder of innocent children is beyond comprehension.” She added, “No child should ever fear going to school,” pledging U.S. support to end violence in Pakistan. The U.S. Embassy extended condolences, grieving with families and wishing recovery for the injured.

Pakistan Points Finger at India

Pakistan’s military and government blamed “Indian-backed” militants, with the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) alleging the attack was “planned and orchestrated by the terrorist state of India” via proxies. No evidence was provided, and India’s Ministry of External Affairs called the accusations “baseless,” condemning the attack but accusing Pakistan of deflecting responsibility. No group, including the Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA), has claimed responsibility, though the BLA has targeted civilians in past attacks.

Victims and Global Outcry

The martyred students were identified as Sania Soomro (grade 6), Hifza Kausar (grade 7), and Esha Saleem (grade 10), with a fourth child’s identity pending. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and President Asif Ali Zardari denounced the attack as a “heinous” assault on education. China, Iran, and the UN also condemned the bombing, evoking memories of the 2014 Peshawar school massacre. The incident underscores Balochistan’s ongoing insurgency and the urgent need for measures to protect children.