In Balochistan, Pakistan, a hostage crisis involving the Jaffar Express train has concluded with significant casualties. The train, carrying approximately 440 passengers, was hijacked by militants from the Baloch Liberation Army (BLA) near the Mashkaf Tunnel in the Bolan region. The militants immobilized the train by damaging the tracks and took passengers hostage, demanding the release of imprisoned Baloch political activists. During the standoff, 21 passengers and four security personnel lost their lives. The military’s operation resulted in the elimination of all 33 attackers and the successful rescue of the remaining hostages.
Military spokesperson Lt Gen Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry highlighted the complexity of the operation, noting that the terrorists used hostages, including women and children, as human shields. He also revealed that the militants were in communication with their handlers in Afghanistan via satellite phones during the incident.
The BLA has a history of insurgency in the region, seeking greater autonomy and a larger share of Balochistan’s mineral resources. This incident underscores the ongoing challenges faced by Pakistani authorities in addressing separatist movements and ensuring the safety of its citizens.
