On Tuesday in Pakistan, security forces rescued 155 passengers from the Jafar Express train, which was hijacked by the Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA) while traveling from Quetta to Peshawar. The BLA claimed responsibility for the attack, which resulted in the deaths of at least 10 passengers, including the train driver, and reportedly 27 BLA fighters were killed during military operations.
The incident occurred around 1 PM local time as the train passed through a mountainous area. Despite over 400 passengers initially on board, many were later freed or rescued, and around 200 hostages remained. The government declared an emergency in nearby hospitals to address the casualties, and officials moved rescued passengers to safety, providing them with food and medical assistance.
The BLA issued a 48-hour ultimatum for the unconditional release of political prisoners while declaring that they held more than 200 hostages. The attack is notable for being the first instance of a train hijacking in Pakistan’s history.
Balochistan has been a region of conflict due to its rich resources and demands for independence from Pakistan by various separatist groups. Analysts suggest that the BLA has become emboldened due to a perceived failure of government forces to effectively counteract their actions. The complex relationship between the BLA and the state reflects broader issues of governance and the disconnect between the state and Baloch citizens, contributing to rising violence in the region.
Source link
