A major security crisis has unfolded in Pakistan after the Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA) hijacked the Jaffar Express, a passenger train carrying approximately 500 people. The attack took place in Mashkaf, Dhadar, Bolan, where the armed group forced the train to stop by destroying railway tracks before taking control of the passengers onboard.
Tense Standoff as BLA Issues Warning The BLA has claimed responsibility for the hijacking, declaring that over 100 hostages are under their control. The group has issued a direct threat to the Pakistani military, warning against any rescue operations and vowing severe consequences if an attempt is made to intervene.
“Any action by the army will result in catastrophic outcomes, and the responsibility will fall solely on the Pakistani military,” the BLA stated.
Security Forces Among the Hostages Reports suggest that several security personnel, including individuals from the Pakistani military, police, Anti-Terrorism Force (ATF), and Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI), were on board and are now among the hostages. The BLA has emphasized that this operation was meticulously planned and executed by its elite units, including the Majeed Brigade, STOS, and Fateh Squad.
Unfolding Humanitarian Crisis With hundreds of civilians trapped in the hijacked train, the situation has raised serious humanitarian concerns. Families of the passengers are anxiously awaiting news, while authorities weigh their options carefully to prevent further escalation.
Simultaneous Abductions Deepen Tensions In a related development, three Baloch individuals, including a retired teacher, a retired doctor, and a local resident, were allegedly abducted by Pakistani security forces in Barkhan, Balochistan. The region has been a hotspot for separatist movements and military operations, further complicating the ongoing crisis.
As tensions mount, the Pakistani government faces a critical test in handling the standoff while ensuring the safety of civilians trapped in the hijacked train.
Who hijacked the Jaffar Express train?
The Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA) has hijacked the Jaffar Express, a passenger train traveling from Quetta in Pakistan’s southwestern Balochistan province to Peshawar in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
What happened during the hijacking?
The Jaffar Express, carrying around 500 passengers in nine bogies, was forcibly stopped after BLA fighters blew up the railway track in Mashkaf, Dhadar, Bolan. The attackers swiftly took control of the train and held over 100 passengers hostage, according to the BLA.
Why did the BLA hijack the train?
The BLA claims that the hijacking was a planned operation carried out by its specialized units, including the Majeed Brigade, STOS, and Fateh Squad. The group has issued a warning to the Pakistani army, threatening to kill the hostages if any military intervention is attempted.
Who are among the hostages?
According to the BLA’s statement, some of the hostages include active-duty personnel from the Pakistani military, police, Anti-Terrorism Force (ATF), and Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI), who were traveling to Punjab on leave.
What has the BLA stated about the consequences?
The BLA has warned the Pakistani military that any intervention would result in casualties, for which the military would be solely responsible. The group has also emphasized its readiness to respond forcefully to any military action.
What other incidents have been reported?
In a separate incident, three Baloch individuals, including a retired teacher, a retired doctor, and a local resident, were allegedly abducted by Pakistani security forces in Barkhan, a district in Balochistan. This incident has further heightened tensions in the region.