Two injured in attack on passenger buses

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QUETTA:

At least two passengers, including a woman, were injured when unidentified motorcycle-riding gunmen opened fire on Quetta-bound passenger buses near the Sur Chel Kalghali area on the Surab–Besima highway on Sunday.

According to Rescue 1122 officials, emergency medical teams reached the scene immediately after the attack and shifted the injured to a hospital in Gidar, where they are receiving treatment.

Officials said the assailants attempted to stop buses travelling from Turbat and Panjgur by blocking the highway. When the drivers refused to halt and accelerated to escape, the attackers opened fire on the moving vehicles. The gunfire shattered windows and punctured the tires of one of the buses.

Another coach operated by Al-Naeem Travels also came under heavy fire, sustaining extensive damage to its windows. However, all passengers aboard that vehicle escaped unharmed.

Transport company owner Naeem Mengal said passenger coaches were temporarily halted at secure checkpoints in Gidar and Besima as a precaution to ensure the safety of travellers.

Law enforcement and security personnel later reached the scene, cordoned off the affected stretch of the highway, and launched a search operation.