The Jaffar Express train, traveling from Quetta to Peshawar, was targeted by the Baloch Liberation Army in a violent incident that has left hostages and injured individuals. Pakistani authorities are responding to the situation amid the risks posed by the militants.
Armed Attack on Train in Balochistan: Hostages Taken by Militants
Armed Attack on Train in Balochistan: Hostages Taken by Militants
Militants from the Baloch Liberation Army have attacked a passenger train in Balochistan, taking hostages and injuring several passengers in a fierce confrontation.
Armed militants belonging to the Baloch Liberation Army (BLA) have launched an assault on the Jaffar Express train in Pakistan's Balochistan province, leading to a hostage situation. According to military sources, the attack occurred while the train was en route from Quetta to Peshawar, resulting in multiple injuries, including that of the train driver.
The BLA has claimed responsibility for the attack, asserting that they had sabotaged the track before storming the train in the remote Sibi district. They announced that the train was now under their control, prompting a significant response from security forces in the area. Helicopters have been deployed to assist in rescuing the hostages, while on-ground forces engage with the situation.
Reports indicate that intense gunfire was directed at the train, with a Balochistan government spokesperson noting it is currently stranded before a tunnel surrounded by mountainous terrain. The BLA has issued a warning against attempts to rescue the captives, signaling potential repercussions.
Railway authorities have stated that approximately 400 to 450 passengers were booked on the Jaffar Express. While some reports indicate that women and children were able to safely disembark and are now moving toward Sibi, the exact number of hostages remains unconfirmed. The situation is complicated by the lack of internet and mobile coverage in the region, making communication with those on the train nearly impossible.
Families of the passengers have gathered at Quetta railway station, anxiously seeking news about their loved ones. One passenger's son reported being unable to reach his father, emphasizing the nerve-wracking uncertainty that many families are experiencing. Balochistan, though rich in natural resources, continues to struggle with underdevelopment and remains a focal point of insurgent activity in the country.
