A bomb exploded near a crowded market in the Pakistani city of Quetta on Saturday (August 12), killing at least 15 people, officials said, the latest attack to hit the restive southwestern province of Baluchistan.

The was no immediate claim of responsibility from any of the Islamist militants and separatist insurgent movements active in the resource-rich province, which is a key part of a $57 billion Chinese economic corridor through Pakistan.

The powerful blast hit as a paramilitary patrol passed by on the road, Baluchistan provincial home minister Sarfraz Bugti said, adding the patrol may have been the target.

“A vehicle belonging to our security forces was targeted. According to the information that we have received so far, there are around 15 casualties, people who have been martyred. Around 40 people are injured,” Bugti said.