- Separatist militants blew up railway track and captured 214 passengers.
- The attack occurred in Balochistan on the Jaffar Express train.
- The Baloch Liberation Army claims responsibility, threatens executions.
- Over 100 passengers rescued, security forces engage in intense rescue operation.
- Pakistani authorities condemn the attack and intensify security response.
On Tuesday, separatist militants launched a deadly attack on a passenger train in southwestern Pakistan. This assault, which took place in Balochistan, resulted in dozens of hostages being taken. As a result, fierce clashes broke out with security forces, leading to a major rescue operation.
The Jaffar Express, traveling from Quetta to Peshawar, was ambushed after militants blew up part of the railway track. Soon after, the insurgents took control of the train and held 214 passengers hostage. Interestingly, local authorities and militants gave different figures regarding the number of hostages.
According to Rana Dilawar, a senior police officer, the explosion trapped the train in a tunnel. The driver suffered fatal injuries. Meanwhile, the Baloch Liberation Army (BLA) confirmed its involvement in the attack. They explained that their goal was to exchange the hostages for the release of Baloch political prisoners.
In their statement, the BLA warned, “We will execute 10 hostages if military operations continue.” They also demanded the release of missing activists and prisoners. If their demands aren’t met, they threatened to destroy the train and execute all hostages.
Security Forces Mobilize for Rescue Operation
In response, Pakistani security forces launched a significant operation to free the hostages. Special forces were deployed, and helicopters were seen circling the area. By mid-afternoon, police reported that over 100 hostages had been rescued. An additional 17 people were wounded during the attack and were transported to nearby hospitals.
The militants’ demand for prisoner exchanges has added a complex layer to the ongoing rescue operation. Some hostages have been taken into the mountains by the militants, while others remain aboard the train, with the armed insurgents holding the locomotive.
The BLA also claimed to have killed 30 soldiers and shot down a military drone during the attack. However, Pakistani authorities have not verified these claims. The attack continues to evolve, with firefights reported between militants and security personnel.
Baloch Liberation Army’s Statement
The BLA has remained steadfast in its demands. The group has called for the immediate release of Baloch political prisoners and warned that failure to meet these demands within 48 hours would result in dire consequences. Despite this, the group assured that civilian hostages, including women and children, were released and provided safe routes.
A statement from the BLA read, “If the military intervention persists, all hostages will be executed, and the train will be completely destroyed.” These words have intensified fears about the fate of those still held captive. Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif condemned the attack, labeling it as an act of terrorism designed to destabilize the country.
The BLA’s Motivation and Impact
The Baloch Liberation Army (BLA) has long fought against the exploitation of Balochistan’s resources. They argue that the region, rich in gas and minerals, has been neglected politically and economically. As a result, the group pushes for greater autonomy over the region’s wealth.
Over the years, the BLA has carried out multiple attacks on government infrastructure, the military, and even Chinese interests. These attacks are part of their ongoing campaign against the central government. Ultimately, their goal remains to take control over the region’s resources.
Recently, the attack on the Jaffar Express became one of the BLA’s most high-profile actions. In response, local authorities swiftly declared an emergency in Balochistan. At the same time, the federal government promised to punish the perpetrators harshly.
Pakistani Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi praised the military for rescuing more than 100 hostages. He called the attackers “enemies of the country.” Meanwhile, authorities continue their security operations, keeping Balochistan under tight surveillance to prevent further violence.
Rising Tensions in Balochistan
The situation in southwestern Pakistan remains tense, with both the government and insurgents locked in a deadly standoff. The rescue operation continues, and the fate of the remaining hostages hangs in the balance.
With the BLA’s threats of execution and the Pakistani government’s determination to neutralize the militants, this tragic attack has further escalated the long-standing conflict in Balochistan.
As the crisis unfolds, the international community will be closely monitoring the situation, with hopes that the remaining hostages can be freed without further bloodshed.