Somalia Condemns Pakistan Train Bombing, Expresses Solidarity

MOGADISHU – The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation of the Federal Republic of Somalia has strongly condemned the terrorist bomb attack targeting a passenger train in Quetta, Balochistan, Pakistan, which claimed the lives of innocent civilians, including women and children, and injured many others.

In an official statement, the Federal Republic of Somalia extended its deepest condolences to the Government and people of Pakistan and wished a swift recovery to those injured. “Somalia stands in full solidarity with Pakistan and reaffirms its firm rejection of all forms of terrorism and attacks targeting innocent civilians,” the ministry said.

Deadly Attack During Eid Holiday Travel

The attack struck a passenger shuttle train near Quetta ahead of the Eid al-Adha holiday period. According to Pakistani officials, an explosives-laden vehicle detonated near the railway line, causing heavy casualties and derailing several coaches.

Preliminary investigations suggest the attack was carried out using a suicide vehicle-borne improvised explosive device packed with more than 70 kg of explosives. Multiple bogies derailed and two caught fire following the blast, which also damaged nearby vehicles.

The separatist Baloch Liberation Army (BLA) claimed responsibility for the attack, according to Pakistani media and security officials, in what has become one of the deadliest recent incidents in the restive province.

Deepening Somalia-Pakistan Counter-Terrorism Partnership

Somalia’s statement reflects growing diplomatic and security ties between Mogadishu and Islamabad. In January 2026, Pakistan and Somalia agreed to further strengthen cooperation in counter-terrorism and security-related matters. The two interior ministers agreed to adopt a joint strategy against terrorism and extremism and enhance cooperation in training, border management, and disaster management.

Pakistani Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi assured his Somali counterpart of Pakistan’s full support in policing and counterterrorism, adding that Pakistan would extend complete cooperation across multiple sectors, including counterterrorism.

The two nations also signed an agreement abolishing visa requirements for holders of diplomatic passports, further cementing their strategic partnership. The Somali minister described Pakistan as a reliable partner and brother to Somalia since its independence, recalling the sacrifices made by Pakistani peacekeepers during UN missions in Somalia in the 1990s.

International Condemnation Mounts

The attack has drawn widespread condemnation from the international community. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres strongly condemned the attack, calling for bringing the perpetrators to justice. He extended his “deepest condolences” to the families of those killed and wished a swift recovery to those injured.

The General Secretariat of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) also expressed its strong condemnation, reiterating the OIC’s firm position rejecting terrorism and extremism in all their forms and manifestations. The OIC affirmed its full solidarity with Pakistan in confronting terrorism and extremism and in maintaining its security and stability.

Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and China also condemned the deadly bombing, expressing solidarity with Islamabad and offering condolences to the victims’ families.

Somalia itself continues to battle the al-Qaeda-linked Al-Shabaab insurgency and has repeatedly called for stronger international cooperation against extremist violence and terrorism. The country has actively participated in regional counter-terrorism frameworks and has been a vocal advocate for global solidarity in combating all forms of violent extremism.