In a shocking act of terrorism in Balochistan, separatist militants hijacked the Jaffer Express on Tuesday, killing at least 10 people, including nine security personnel and a train driver. The attack occurred as the train, carrying 450 passengers, traveled from Quetta to Peshawar.
The militants, belonging to the Baloch Liberation Army (BLA), ambushed the train inside Tunnel No. 8 in Bolan, a mountainous region of western Pakistan. Authorities reported intense gunfire as the attackers took hostages and used women and children as human shields to prevent security forces from intervening.
Passengers Held Hostage as Militants Threaten Executions
The BLA later claimed responsibility, stating that hostages would be executed if security forces launched an operation. The Balochistan government responded swiftly, sending emergency teams and a relief train to assist victims and rescue efforts.
Balochistan’s Chief Minister Mir Sarfraz Bugti vowed a strong response, declaring that security forces would not rest “until the last terrorist is eliminated.” Despite the challenging terrain of Sibi, where the train was held, security forces surrounded the area, preparing for a confrontation.
Warnings Ignored Before the Attack
Just days before the hijacking, Balochistan’s Counter-Terrorism Department had issued a threat alert about a possible BLA attack. Authorities were advised to take extraordinary safety measures, but despite these warnings, the militants executed their plan successfully.
Read:Â Militants Attack Passenger Train in Balochistan, Take Hostages
Decades of Insurgency Fueling Violence
Balochistan, Pakistan’s largest but poorest province, has been a hotbed of separatist insurgency for decades. The BLA and other militant groups claim the state exploits Balochistan’s vast mineral wealth without benefiting the local population.
The situation escalated in recent years with China’s Belt and Road Initiative, particularly the leasing of Gwadar Port. While the government promotes it as an economic hub, militants see it as a symbol of foreign exploitation. Chinese workers and projects have frequently been targeted, leading to persistent bombings and security threats.
Families Desperate for News
The attack sent shockwaves through Quetta and surrounding areas. Families of passengers rushed to railway stations for updates. Junaid Ahmed, whose cousins were on the train, expressed his distress, saying, “I lost contact with them. Officials here say they can’t reach anyone either.”
Security Forces Prepare for a Final Showdown
With hostages in imminent danger, security forces continue their operation against the attackers. The government remains firm, stating that such acts of terror will not be tolerated. Meanwhile, passengers and their families remain caught in the uncertainty of the unfolding crisis.
Pakistan’s fight against separatist violence in Balochistan rages on, with authorities under pressure to eliminate threats while ensuring civilian safety. The next few hours will be crucial as security forces attempt to rescue those held captive and bring the perpetrators to justice.
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