A dramatic incident has unfolded in Pakistan with reports of a train hijacking. The separatist group, the Baloch Liberation Army (BLA), has claimed responsibility for taking control of the Jafar Express in Bolan and holding 182 passengers hostage.
The BLA has issued a stern warning, threatening to kill all hostages if any military action is attempted against them. Reports indicate that eleven military personnel have been killed so far.
Among the hostages are active-duty members of the Pakistani military, police, Anti-Terrorism Force (ATF), and Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI), all returning to Punjab during their leave. The BLA has made it clear that any action from the soldiers aboard will result in the hostages' deaths.
Source: aajtak
(BLA statement)
During the operation, women, children, and Baloch passengers were released. The mission is reportedly led by the BLA's suicide unit, the Majeed Brigade, including the Fateh Squad, STOS, and the intelligence branch Zirab.
Source: aajtak
The Jafar Express, operated daily by Pakistan Railways between Quetta and Peshawar, covers a distance of 1,632 kilometers, taking approximately 34 hours and 10 minutes to complete its journey, traversing parts of the Rohri-Chaman and Karachi-Peshawar railway lines.
In recent developments, Baloch groups have announced new attacks against Pakistan and China. The Baloch resistance group recently concluded military exercises with Sindhi separatist groups.
The unification under BRAS presents a significant threat to many China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) projects initiated by China. Following a joint meeting of the Baloch Raaji Aajooi Sangar (BRAS), which includes high-level delegations from the Baloch Liberation Army, Balochistan Liberation Front, Baloch Republican Guards, and the Sindhu Desh Revolutionary Army, a statement was issued on the decisive strategies for the national Baloch movement.
It was agreed that BRAS will soon evolve into the National Baloch Army, marking a crucial step in the Baloch national movement's progress.
