After the hijacking of the 'Jafar Express' train from Quetta to Peshawar on Tuesday, chaos ensued in Balochistan, Pakistan. The Baloch Liberation Army (BLA) terrorists took over the train in the Bolan Pass's Dahadar area through gunfire. The Pakistani army initiated an operation to rescue the hostages. However, after 18 hours, not all hostages have been released. What could be the reason?
The Jafar Express train, heading to Peshawar from Quetta, consisted of nine carriages with approximately 500 people on board, including a significant number of soldiers and secret agents. The train was struck by an ambush from the Baloch rebels as it entered a tunnel. Updated reports indicate that 104 hostages have been liberated so far, including more than 50 men, over 30 women, and children.
How challenging is the rescue operation for the Pakistani army?
Security sources report that the insurgents have split into two groups due to the army's operation. BLA rebels hijacked the Jafar Express train in the Mashkaf Tunnel, located 157 kilometers from Quetta. This tunnel resides in an inaccessible mountainous region, with the nearest station being Peharokunri.
Source: aajtak
According to Balochistan government spokesman Shahid Rind, the BLA terrorists seized the train by firing on it between Peharokunri and Gadalar. The train was halted in Tunnel Number 8. Bolan's district police officer, Rana Muhammad Dilawar, stated that this entire area is mountainous, interspersed with numerous tunnels.
He mentioned that the hijacked train currently stands in the Bolan Pass. The region is surrounded by mountains and tunnels, which hinders mobile network connectivity, complicating the rescue operation. Meanwhile, the Pakistani Prime Minister, Shahbaz Sharif, emphasized that despite these challenges, the army's morale remains high.
It is noteworthy that Balochistan is Pakistan's most tumultuous province, with conflicts between the Balochs and the Pakistani army persisting since 1948. The Baloch people have long demanded independence from Pakistan. Recently, China's investment in projects has increased attacks in the region.
The BLA demands independence for Balochistan from Pakistan. One of their primary demands is the absence of any representative of the Pakistani government or security agency in Balochistan. Furthermore, the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) crosses Balochistan, which the BLA opposes.
