Balochistan, Pakistan’s restive province, is once again in the spotlight as the Baloch Liberation Army (BLA) has hijacked a train carrying over 450 passengers. A statement allegedly issued by the BLA on social media claims that if military action is taken against them, they will kill all the hostages.
Details of the Attack
A spokesperson for the Balochistan provincial government provided details on how the BLA managed to seize the train. Shahid Rind, the spokesperson for the Balochistan provincial administration, stated that the attack took place in the Maskaf area of Bolan. The targeted train, Jaffer Express, was attacked while passing through a mountainous region.
According to Rind, the train was traveling through Tunnel No. 8 when an explosion occurred on the tracks, forcing it to stop. Immediately after the blast, the attackers opened fire on the engine, injuring the train driver. Security forces have been dispatched to the site, but the rugged terrain has made it difficult for them to reach the location quickly.
Jaffer Express – A Key Passenger Train
Jaffer Express is a daily passenger train that operates between Quetta and Peshawar. The train travels along the Rohri-Chaman railway line and a section of the Karachi-Peshawar railway line, covering a distance of approximately 1,632 kilometers (1,014 miles) in about 34 hours and 10 minutes. The train departed from Quetta at 9:00 AM before coming under attack in the Bolan region.
Over 100 Pakistani Soldiers Held Hostage
The BLA has claimed that more than 100 Pakistani soldiers are among those held hostage. In a chilling statement, the group said it has already executed six Pakistani Army personnel and warned that any military action would result in the execution of all the hostages.
Balochistan has been a center of conflict for decades, with the BLA and other separatist groups fighting against the Pakistani state for greater autonomy and control over the region’s resources. The latest attack underscores the volatile security situation in the province and the ongoing tensions between Baloch nationalists and the Pakistani government.
Government Response and Ongoing Crisis
Security forces are continuing operations to rescue the hostages and neutralize the attackers. The Pakistani government has yet to issue an official statement on the incident. Meanwhile, the situation remains tense as negotiations and military preparations are underway.
