Ashrafuddin Pirzada
QUETTA: Fighters from the Baloch Liberation Army (BLA) have hijacked the Jaffar Express, taking 182 hostages, including Pakistani military personnel, on Tuesday, Sources said.
Baloch Liberation Army claimed responsibility for the incident through pamphlets issued in Urdu and English.
According to the group, eleven military personnel were killed in the attack, and a Pakistani drone was shot down. The BLA claimed to be in full control of the train and issued a warning against any military intervention.
In his written statement, BLA spokesperson Jeeyand Baloch said that the hostages include active-duty personnel from the Pakistan Army, Police, Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) and the Anti-Terrorism Force (ATF), who were traveling on leave.
However, civilian passengers, including women, children, elderly individuals and Baloch citizens, have been released and provided a secure passage out of the area.
The BLA has warned that if Pakistani security forces attempt any military action, all hostages will be executed. The organization identified the Majeed Brigade, STOS, Fatah Squad and Zirab Unit as the units leading the operation.
The group has vowed a strong and decisive response to any military intervention.
Security forces have been mobilized in response to the attack, though Pakistani authorities have not yet issued an official statement about the incident. The situation remains tense, with concerns growing over the safety of the hostages and the potential for escalation.
