Train derailed, tracks blown apart: How BLA hijacked Jaffar Express in Pakistan's Balochistan

The Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA) claimed responsibility for derailing a train, asserting that they had seized control, killed 20 security personnel.

A passenger train in southwestern Pakistan's Balochistan province was attacked by separatist militants on Tuesday, injuring the train driver, killing 20 soilders, and leading to a hostage situation. The Jaffar Express, which was carrying about 400 passengers in nine carriages, was traveling from Quetta in Balochistan to Peshawar in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa when it came under fire. The Baloch Liberation Army (BLA), a separatist group, claimed responsibility for the attack and stated that they had taken 182 people hostage, including personnel from the Pakistani military, police, and the Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI).

How was the train attacked

The attack began when the train was fired upon, causing it to become trapped inside a tunnel. Militants took control of the train after exchanging gunfire with security forces, which resulted in the driver being injured. The militants also blew up the railway track at Tunnel Number 8, causing the train to derail. "The train was stopped by armed men in Tunnel No. 8," stated Muhammad Kashif, the Controller of Railways. The terrain in this area, which contains 17 tunnels, allowed the militants to take advantage of the slow-moving train, reported Times of India.

Security forces responded to the scene in the Mushqaf area of Bolan district. Balochistan government spokesperson Shahid Rind reported intense gunfire directed at the Jaffar Express, which was traveling between Pehro Kunri and Gadalar. The BLA issued a statement confirming that they had taken hostages from the train, including security personnel, and warned that the hostages would be executed if security forces did not withdraw.

Balochistan has experienced a long-running insurgency by separatist militant groups, which frequently target government, army, and Chinese interests in the region, demanding control over the province’s gas and mineral resources. The BLA, which is the largest of these groups, seeks independence for Balochistan.