๐ March 11, 2025 โ Separatist militants from the Baloch Liberation Army (BLA) hijacked the Jaffar Express in Pakistan’s Balochistan province, taking over 400 passengers hostage and escalating regional tensions. โ ๏ธ
๐ฅ Attack Details
๐ The Jaffar Express, traveling from Quetta to Peshawar, was ambushed near a tunnel when militants detonated explosives on the tracks, halting the train. ๐ฅ
๐ซ Gunmen stormed the train, killing at least 10 people, including security personnel, and injuring several others. ๐จ (CNN)
โ Hostage Situation
โ๏ธ The BLA claimed responsibility, stating they had taken 214 hostages, including alleged military personnel, and demanded:
๐ Release of Baloch political prisoners within 48 hours,
โ ๏ธ Threatening executions if demands werenโt met. (The Guardian)
๐ Pakistani security forces launched a daring rescue operation, managing to free 155 passengers and eliminate 27 militants. ๐ฅ
๐ฃ The mission was complicated, as militants wore suicide vests and positioned themselves among hostages to deter military action. (Reuters)
๐ Government Response
๐ข Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif condemned the attack, calling it an act of terrorism and vowed strict action against insurgents. ๐ช
๐ Pakistan Railways suspended services between Punjab, Sindh, and Balochistan.
๐ฅ Hospitals were placed on high alert to treat the wounded. (Reuters)
๐ดโโ ๏ธ Who Are the BLA?
๐ข The Baloch Liberation Army (BLA) is a separatist militant group seeking independence for Balochistan, accusing the government of exploiting the region’s resources.
๐ง They have previously attacked infrastructure and foreign nationals, especially Chinese workers involved in Pakistan’s regional projects. (NY Post)
๐ International Reaction
๐ The global community condemned the attack, offering support to Pakistan in combating terrorism. Security operations continue to ensure the safe release of remaining hostages and restore stability in the region. ๐
๐ Latest updates:
- ๐ Pakistan Forces Battle Militants
- ๐ซ Militants Hold 214 Hostages
- ๐ฏ Rescue Operation Faces Suicide Bombers