How Baloch Militants Seized Control of the Jafar Express Train in Pakistan: Sabotaged Railway Track and Fatal Attack on the Driver
Operation to Free Hostages in Pakistan
Pakistani security forces are preparing to execute a “full-scale operation” aimed at rescuing train passengers who have been taken hostage by militants from the Baloch Liberation Army (BLA). As reported by Reuters, they have successfully freed 155 of the 450 passengers from the Jafar Express, which was hijacked in southwestern Pakistan. The government is actively working to liberate the remaining hostages, indicating that the situation is dynamic and urgent.
Incident Overview
On Tuesday, while traveling from Quetta, the capital of Balochistan, to Peshawar in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, the train came under attack. The BLA militants employed explosives to sabotage a railway track, followed by opening fire on the train, forcing it to halt inside a tunnel. The controller of railways, Muhammad Kashif, confirmed that armed men stopped the train in Tunnel Number 8 after it derailed due to the blast.
The train’s journey was scheduled to cover major cities, including Lahore and Rawalpindi, but it became stranded approximately 100 miles from Quetta. Reports indicated that the train’s driver was critically injured during the ambush.
Hostage Situation and Demands
The BLA, an insurgent group involved in armed conflict against the Pakistani government, has claimed responsibility for this attack. They threatened to execute hostages unless their demands for the release of Baloch political prisoners and other abducted individuals are met within 48 hours. The number of hostages fluctuates, with the BLA claiming to hold 214 people while security sources suggest that approximately 425 passengers were on board at the time of the attack.
Reports suggest that militants have positioned bombers with suicide vests next to some hostages, heightening the danger involved in any rescue attempt.
Casualties and Experiences of Hostages
The ambush resulted in the deaths of the train driver, a police officer, and several soldiers. Eyewitness accounts from released passengers describe a harrowing experience where gunmen checked identification cards and specifically targeted individuals believed to be from outside the province.
One passenger recounted, “They came and checked IDs and service cards and shot two soldiers in front of me,” highlighting the chaos and fear experienced during the ordeal. Those identified as Punjabis were reportedly taken away by the militants. Approximately 80 of the freed passengers were relocated to Quetta under strict security measures.
Conclusion
The BLA’s actions reflect ongoing tensions in Balochistan, a province rich in minerals but marked by historical grievances against the Pakistani government. As rescue operations unfold, the safety of the remaining hostages remains a priority for Pakistani authorities amidst growing concerns about regional security and civilian safety.
