Pakistan: Jaffar Express Hijacked, 150 Hostages Rescued, Deadly Battle Continues

Jaffar Express Hijacked: The Jaffar Express, carrying approximately 650 passengers, was en route from Quetta to Peshawar when it was attacked by heavily armed militants between Gudalaar and Piru Koneri in Balochistan. The attackers, believed to be from the Baloch Liberation Army (BLA), triggered explosions on the railway track, forcing the train to a halt before launching their assault. The attack led to intense gunfire between the militants and Pakistani security forces, resulting in significant casualties and a large-scale hostage crisis.

Jaffar Express Hijacked: Terror on the Tracks

Early reports indicate that at least 30 security personnel lost their lives in the firefight, with many others sustaining injuries. As the situation escalated, the militants took control of the train, holding over 200 passengers hostage. The Pakistani military swiftly launched a rescue operation to neutralize the attackers and free the captives. According to Sama TV, citing AFP, security forces have so far managed to rescue over 150 hostages, including 43 men, 26 women, and 11 children. However, the operation is still ongoing, with more than 200 individuals reportedly still held captive by the insurgents.

Intense gunfire exchanges between the BLA fighters and Pakistani forces have been reported since Tuesday. Several passengers sustained injuries during the crossfire, and those in need of medical attention were transported to a nearby hospital. The security operation has led to the elimination of 27 militants so far, with authorities continuing their efforts to secure the area and free the remaining hostages.

According to Geo News, the security forces’ strategic operations have divided the militant groups into smaller factions, weakening their stronghold. The attackers had initially taken a large number of hostages and issued a threat to execute them if their demand for the release of Baloch prisoners was not met. The train, which was stuck in a tunnel, became a battleground as security forces launched their offensive. Reports indicate that the train’s driver succumbed to serious injuries, adding to the growing casualties in the tragic incident.

Balochistan’s Minister of State for Home Affairs, Talal Chaudhry, provided updates on the situation, stating that the train was hijacked in a remote area around noon. He noted that after security forces arrived at the scene, several passengers were successfully freed, but he could not disclose the exact number. He further mentioned that the rescued individuals were being transported to the nearest station before continuing their journeys to their intended destinations. Chaudhry revealed that many of the hostages were taken off the train and moved to mountainous regions by the militants, who reportedly used women and children as human shields to hinder the military operation.

The ongoing rescue efforts continue to be a priority for the Pakistani military, with additional security teams being deployed to the affected region. Authorities remain committed to ensuring the safety of the remaining hostages while working to eliminate the threat posed by the militants. The incident has drawn national and international attention, highlighting the persistent security challenges in Balochistan and the urgent need for strengthened counter-terrorism measures in the region.