The hijacking of the Jaffar Express train in Balochistan by the Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA) has resulted in tragic loss of life and a complex rescue operation. With conflicting reports on the number of hostages still unaccounted for, eyewitness accounts reveal harrowing experiences from the attack.
Pakistan Train Hijacking: A Detailed Account of the Terror Attack in Balochistan
Pakistan Train Hijacking: A Detailed Account of the Terror Attack in Balochistan
In a shocking incident, the Jaffar Express train was hijacked by militants in Pakistan's Balochistan province, leading to a tense 30-hour siege that left many casualties.
In a harrowing incident on Tuesday, the Jaffar Express train carrying over 440 passengers was ambushed in the remote Bolan Pass region of Balochistan, Pakistan. The attack began when the train's tracks were bombed, prompting an armed assault by militants from the Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA), who subsequently stormed the train. Passengers described the chaos that ensued as bullets began firing, with one survivor, Mehboob Hussain, detailing the “doomsday scenes” inside the carriage.
The BLA, a group designated as a terrorist organization by numerous countries, claimed responsibility shortly after the attack. They demanded the release of Baloch political prisoners, threatening to kill hostages if their demands were not met. Notably, this attack marked the first instance of a train hijacking by the group, which has previously targeted military installations and transportation systems.
The siege lasted more than 30 hours and culminated in a rescue operation involving the Pakistani military. Reports indicate that 300 passengers were freed amidst tragic losses; at least 21 civilians and four military personnel were killed in the confrontation, while 33 militants reportedly lost their lives as well. However, confusion remains over the status of the remaining 140 passengers.
Eyewitnesses described their experiences during the three-day ordeal, recalling gunfire and fear as BLA militants seized control. An anonymous police officer present on the train recounted how he and his fellow officers attempted to resist the militants until ammunition ran low. As the BLA militants began to execute hostages, many passengers were separated based on ethnicity, raising concerns about the political and ethnic dimensions of the conflict.
A few passengers, including women and children, were initially released unharmed, while others faced harrowing conditions. Noor Muhammad, a passenger, recounted being forced off the train alongside his wife as militants threatened violence. As night fell over the hijackers' compound, sporadic gunfire continued, disrupting any chance of rest for the captives.
After a tense night, rescuers from the Frontier Corps launched an assault on the militants. A coordinated effort during the pre-dawn hours ultimately provided an opportunity for many hostages to escape. Some managed to flee into the wilderness despite being pursued by militants. Accounts from survivors indicate that the fear and uncertainty of the situation heightened as the death toll rose during the rescue.
As authorities continue to piece together details from the grim circumstances, questions linger over the safety of other passengers and the motives behind the attack. The tragic event marks a significant escalation of violence in a region long plagued by conflict over issues of autonomy and resource management. Reports are ongoing, and the Pakistani military has vowed to continue operations against militants, asserting that justice will be sought for the victims and their families.
The BLA, a group designated as a terrorist organization by numerous countries, claimed responsibility shortly after the attack. They demanded the release of Baloch political prisoners, threatening to kill hostages if their demands were not met. Notably, this attack marked the first instance of a train hijacking by the group, which has previously targeted military installations and transportation systems.
The siege lasted more than 30 hours and culminated in a rescue operation involving the Pakistani military. Reports indicate that 300 passengers were freed amidst tragic losses; at least 21 civilians and four military personnel were killed in the confrontation, while 33 militants reportedly lost their lives as well. However, confusion remains over the status of the remaining 140 passengers.
Eyewitnesses described their experiences during the three-day ordeal, recalling gunfire and fear as BLA militants seized control. An anonymous police officer present on the train recounted how he and his fellow officers attempted to resist the militants until ammunition ran low. As the BLA militants began to execute hostages, many passengers were separated based on ethnicity, raising concerns about the political and ethnic dimensions of the conflict.
A few passengers, including women and children, were initially released unharmed, while others faced harrowing conditions. Noor Muhammad, a passenger, recounted being forced off the train alongside his wife as militants threatened violence. As night fell over the hijackers' compound, sporadic gunfire continued, disrupting any chance of rest for the captives.
After a tense night, rescuers from the Frontier Corps launched an assault on the militants. A coordinated effort during the pre-dawn hours ultimately provided an opportunity for many hostages to escape. Some managed to flee into the wilderness despite being pursued by militants. Accounts from survivors indicate that the fear and uncertainty of the situation heightened as the death toll rose during the rescue.
As authorities continue to piece together details from the grim circumstances, questions linger over the safety of other passengers and the motives behind the attack. The tragic event marks a significant escalation of violence in a region long plagued by conflict over issues of autonomy and resource management. Reports are ongoing, and the Pakistani military has vowed to continue operations against militants, asserting that justice will be sought for the victims and their families.
