In a shocking incident in Pakistan, a train hijacked by separatist militants has left multiple casualties. The attack occurred on Tuesday as the Jaffar Express, carrying over 400 passengers, entered a tunnel in Bolan, a district in Balochistan.
Authorities reported that 21 hostages and four security personnel lost their lives during the chaos. The Baloch Liberation Army (BLA), which claimed responsibility for the attack, initially stated they had killed 50 people. This incident has drawn condemnation from the Pakistani government, which labeled it an act of terrorism.
Passengers who managed to escape described a terrifying scene. Gunfire erupted from all directions, and many were forced to lie on the ground to avoid being hit. Noor Muhammad, a passenger, recounted how the militants first targeted the train’s engine with a rocket-propelled grenade before opening fire. He shared that the attackers ordered passengers to disembark, threatening to shoot anyone who did not comply.
The train was on a lengthy journey from Quetta to Peshawar when it was ambushed. The militants had sabotaged the railway tracks, causing the train to halt, and then engaged in a fierce exchange of gunfire with security forces. The militants were reported to be in contact with their handlers in Afghanistan during the attack.
Security forces responded swiftly, with ISPR director general Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry stating that they executed a careful operation to free hostages. They managed to rescue many, including women and children, but tragically, some lives were lost before the final clearance operation could be completed. Chaudhry emphasized that no passengers were harmed during the rescue efforts.
The BLA has previously targeted security forces and infrastructure in Balochistan and has made demands for the release of political prisoners. They threatened to execute hostages if their demands were not met within 48 hours.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif condemned the attack, asserting that security forces were actively working to repel the militants. The incident has raised concerns about the safety of transportation in the region and the ongoing threat posed by militant groups.