Several passengers were injured as gunmen attacked Jaffar Express in Pakistan's restive Balochistan on Tuesday. The severity of the situation prompted the provincial government to direct authorities to take "emergency measures".
Citing the Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA) that claimed responsibility for the attack, India Today reported that insurgents had taken 214 hostages while 30 Pakistani military personnel had been killed. Earlier, PTI reported that the militant group had taken control of the train and at least six military personnel were killed. However, there has been no independent confirmation of their claims.
Citing officials, PTI reported that the train, Jaffar Express, with around 500 passengers on board in nine coaches, was on its way from Quetta to Peshawar in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa when it was attacked between Gudalaar and Piru Koneri areas.
As per Pakistan-based Geo News, the assailants blew up a railway track and proceeded to open fire on the train. Speaking to AFP, a senior police official stated that the train was halted in a mountainous region, "making it easier for militants to have hideouts and plan attacks."
"There are reports of intense firing at a Jaffar Express, which was heading from Quetta to Peshawar, between Pehro Kunri and Gadalar,” Balochistan government spokesperson Shahid Rind said.
Official data on casualties are still awaited. However, citing security sources, PTI reported that the train driver and several passengers were injured in the gunfire.
Baloch Liberal Army Claims Responsibility
The Baloch Liberal Army has claimed responsibility for hijacking the Jaffar Express. The group is banned in Pakistan, the UK, and the US. As per the statement issued by the outfit, the train, operated by Pakistan Railways, has been hijacked and hundreds of passengers are being held hostage.
The BLA has further warned that if any military operation is attempted, all hostages will be killed. The spokesperson of the group added that the operation is being carried out by the BLA Majeed Brigade Fateh Squad and STOS.
"If the occupying forces attempt any military operation, the consequences will be severe. All hundreds of hostages will be executed, and the responsibility for this bloodshed will lie solely with the occupying forces," the militant group said.
Rescue Ops Underway
Authorities have deployed rescue teams and security forces to search the scene, and an operation is underway to track down the assailants. Emergency has been declared in the local hospitals and the Balochistan government directed local authorities to take “emergency measures”.
It has been reported that security sources said the operation will continue till the elimination of the last terrorist. After a preliminary investigation, railway officials confirmed that the train라이브 바카라 driver sustained serious injuries, and an emergency relief train has been dispatched to assist.
A provincial government statement said an emergency was imposed at Sibi hospital and ambulances and security forces were on their way to the site. Commenting on the development, Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi condemned the incident, said, “The beasts who fire on innocent passengers do not deserve any concessions.”
