The Pakistani army has reported the conclusion of a rescue mission following a harrowing train hijacking incident in the remote southwestern province of Balochistan. Authorities stated that militants from the Baloch Liberation Army (BLA) attacked and seized control of the Jaffar Express train on Tuesday afternoon. The hijacking occurred as the train, carrying approximately 450 passengers, traveled through a mountainous tunnel after militants detonated explosives to target the railway line.
Military and security forces launched a joint air and land operation to regain control and save the hostages. However, difficult mountainous terrain presented significant challenges during the rescue mission. The army ultimately claimed to have rescued around 190 of the hostages, but tragically the operation resulted in the deaths of 21 passengers and 33 militants. The complicated rescue efforts were further hindered by reports that suicide bombers in explosive vests were positioned near some of the hostages, effectively using innocent civilians as human shields.
Passengers who were freed from the hijacked train recounted terrifying scenes of explosions, gunfire, and grave threats from the militants. Passenger Yousaf Bashir described scenes of widespread panic and distress after an explosion rocked the train. He explained that passengers were ordered off at gunpoint, with militants allowing certain individuals, including Bashir and his family, to walk away. Survivors described having to traverse rugged terrain for more than seven hours overnight to find safety.
The Baloch Liberation Army said in a statement that the train hijacking was carried out in reaction to decades of alleged oppression and exploitation by the Pakistani government and military. The group demanded the release of detained political prisoners and activists, issuing a stern 48-hour ultimatum and claiming they had executed 50 hostages due to Pakistani authorities' refusal to negotiate seriously for a prisoner exchange.
Balochistan, Pakistan's largest and least developed province bordering Afghanistan and Iran, has seen conflict and insurgency for decades. Separatists accuse the central government and military of neglecting and abusing the region's rights and resources. The BLA highlighted in their statement that the hijacking was a symbolic demonstration that the Pakistani state's control over Balochistan would continue to meet determined resistance.
Security analyst Zahid Hussain described this attack as unprecedented and indicative of the alarming challenges the Pakistani military now faces in Balochistan. He noted that the increased frequency and scale of attacks by groups such as the Baloch Liberation Army suggest the insurgency is escalating, making the security scenario increasingly troublesome for authorities and residents alike.
9 Comments
The Truth
✊🏽 This is a powerful act of resistance against decades of state-sponsored oppression and exploitation in Balochistan!
Answer
The Baloch people have the right to fight for their freedom. This hijacking is a clear message to the Pakistani government that they will not be silenced.
The Truth
This brutal attack reminds us of the urgency to find peaceful solutions to the Balochistan conflict.
Answer
The world needs to know what the Baloch people are facing. This train hijacking has finally put their plight in the spotlight.
Muchacha
The Pakistani government needs to take decisive action against these militants. Enough is enough!
Comandante
The world must stand united against this senseless violence. We must not let terrorism prevail.
Habibi
This hijacking is a wake-up call for the Pakistani government. They must address the grievances of the Baloch people or face further resistance.
ZmeeLove
The demands of the BLA are legitimate. The government should release all political prisoners and engage in genuine dialogue with the Baloch people.
Muchacho
The Baloch people have the right to self-determination. They should be allowed to decide their own future.