There are alarming concerns about a high number of casualties in the ongoing train hijack incident in Balochistan, Pakistan. The government has sent over 200 coffins to the capital, Quetta, a measure suggestive of grim possibilities.
Officials from Pakistan Railways have confirmed the transfer of more than 200 coffins brought to Quetta, intended for Bolan in Balochistan. Despite the passage of 28 hours since the hijacking, the Pakistani army has yet to free all hostages. The official stance is that these coffins are part of a precautionary protocol for potential worst-case scenarios.
Claims of 27 BLA Casualties
Pakistani media earlier claimed that 155 passengers have been rescued, and 27 Baloch Liberation Army (BLA) militants were killed in the operation. However, over 100 passengers of the Jaffer Express remain under the control of armed captors. The BLA's last update claimed the deaths of 30 Pakistani soldiers, but there has been no further data from them for a while.
Hostages Surrounded by Suicide Bombers
The army of Pakistan has been striving to free the passengers taken hostage, but the rescue operation faces significant challenges. Reports suggest that the BLA has strategically placed suicide bombers among the hostages, clad in explosive vests, complicating rescue efforts for security forces.
Source: aajtak
Explosion Led to the Hostage Situation
The Baloch Army has released a video detailing the progression of the train hijack, showing the train moving at a normal pace until an explosion halts it, revealing BLA militants in the surrounding hills. Notably, the Jaffer Express departed at 9 a.m. on March 11th for Peshawar and was supposed to reach Sibi Station at 1:30 p.m. However, the attack occurred near Mashafak Tunnel in Bolan.
Explosion Destroys Tunnel No. 8
The hijacked Jaffer Express had left Quetta at about 9 a.m. on March 11th heading for Peshawar, expected to reach Sibi by 1:30 p.m. But, an ambush occurred near Mashafak Tunnel, causing the train to derail as the BLA obliterated Tunnel No. 8 by exploiting the slowed pace in the mountainous terrain featuring 17 tunnels.
Executed with Full Planning
The BLA meticulously planned the attack, with militants lying in wait. Their most lethal units, Majeed Brigade and Fatah, were ready for the assault. Security sources claim that due to Pakistani military intervention, BLA militants split into two groups and surround the train.
