Afghanistan Times
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KABUL – Thirty-six hours after a brazen militant attack on a passenger train in Pakistan’s volatile southwestern Balochistan province, the military announced the successful end of the siege, neutralizing 33 militants from the Baloch Liberation Army (BLA). The Jaffar Express, carrying over 400 passengers, was ambushed when militants detonated explosives on the railway tracks, forcing it to halt in a remote mountainous region.
According to Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) Director General Lt Gen Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry, the rescue operation involved the Army, Air Force, Frontier Corps, and Special Services Group commandos. “All terrorists have been sent to hell,” Chaudhry declared, adding that the operation was conducted with precision to avoid harm to hostages used as human shields.
Survivors recounted harrowing scenes of the attack. “When the train was attacked, everyone threw themselves to the floor, using luggage to shield themselves from bullets,” said Muhammad Ashraf, one of the 80 passengers freed Tuesday night. Another survivor, Arslan Yousaf, described how militants executed soldiers and targeted individuals based on regional origins.
The BLA, however, contested the military’s claims, asserting they still held over 100 hostages and reported numerous casualties. The militants, armed with rocket launchers and guns, reportedly communicated with facilitators in Afghanistan via satellite phones, indicating foreign involvement.
Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif condemned the attack, expressing condolences for the victims and vowing that such acts would not weaken Pakistan’s resolve for peace. The Jaffar Express, frequently targeted by BLA due to its use by military personnel and Punjab residents, had only resumed service in October after a two-month suspension following a similar attack.
The incident underscores the ongoing tensions in Balochistan, where separatist groups accuse Punjab of dominating Pakistan’s government and military.
