GUWAHATI: The Baloch Liberation Army (BLA) on Tuesday, March 11, claimed responsibility for hijacking the Jaffar Express in Pakistan’s Balochistan, taking at least hundreds of passengers hostage. The separatist group, which seeks independence for Balochistan, also stated that six Pakistani military personnel were killed in the attack.
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The Jaffar Express was traveling from Quetta to Peshawar when armed BLA militants reportedly blew up the railway tracks, forcing the train to stop in the Mushqaf area of Bolan district. The attackers then boarded the train and seized control.
In a statement signed by BLA spokesperson Jeeyand Baloch, the group warned that any military operation would lead to the execution of hostages. “Any military incursion will be met with an equally forceful response. So far, six military personnel have been killed, and hundreds of passengers remain under BLA custody. The Baloch Liberation Army takes full responsibility for this operation,” the statement read.
Pakistani security forces have reached the site, and the Balochistan government has imposed emergency measures to deal with the situation, according to government spokesperson Shahid Rind.
The BLA is the largest separatist group fighting against the Pakistani government, military, and Chinese interests in Balochistan, demanding a greater share of the province’s natural resources. The mineral-rich province has witnessed frequent attacks as part of the insurgency.
