Islamabad: A dramatic hostage crisis unfolded in Pakistan’s restive Balochistan region after armed rebels hijacked the Jaffar Express, carrying over 400 passengers. Security forces launched a counter-operation, leading to the rescue of more than 100 hostages and the killing of at least 16 insurgents.
Key Developments in the Crisis:
- 104 Hostages Rescued: Security forces successfully freed 104 hostages, including 58 men, 31 women, and 15 children, after an intense gunfight with the rebels. The rescued passengers were taken to Mach, where a makeshift hospital was set up for medical assistance.
- Prolonged Gunfight with BLA Rebels: The standoff between the Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA) and Pakistani forces continued overnight. While the exact number of hostages still on board remains unclear, the BLA claimed to have killed 30 soldiers—an assertion unconfirmed by authorities.
- Rebels Escape into the Mountains: Some insurgents took hostages into the mountains while others held onto the train. Security forces launched a pursuit, but the rugged terrain posed challenges to the operation.
- Military Encirclement in the Dark: Reports indicate that the rebels split into small groups to evade capture under the cover of darkness. However, the military managed to surround the tunnel, restricting their escape routes.
- Train Hijacked in Remote Area: The Jaffar Express, traveling from Quetta to Peshawar, was intercepted inside a tunnel in a remote location. The attackers blew up the railway tracks, forcing the train to halt. Around 400 passengers were trapped in its nine compartments.
- BLA Claims Responsibility: The BLA, the most prominent separatist group in Balochistan, claimed responsibility for the hijacking. The rebels killed the locomotive driver and took control of the train, demanding the release of Baloch political prisoners and missing persons.
- Rebels’ Ultimatum & Threats: The insurgents gave Pakistani authorities a 48-hour deadline to meet their demands. They threatened to “completely destroy” the train and execute 10 hostages in retaliation for military action.
- Emergency Help Desks Set Up: Authorities have established emergency response desks at railway stations in Peshawar and Quetta to assist families of the kidnapped passengers.
- Government Condemnation: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif strongly condemned the attack, while Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi accused “enemy forces” of destabilizing Pakistan by inciting violence in Balochistan.
- Ongoing Violence in Balochistan: The province has witnessed increasing violence, including enforced disappearances and deadly clashes between separatist groups and security forces. In November, a suicide blast at Quetta railway station killed 26 people and injured 62 others.
The situation remains tense as security forces continue operations against the remaining insurgents. Authorities are monitoring developments closely to ensure the safety of the remaining hostages.