On Tuesday, the Jaffar Express train in Balochistan was attacked by Baloch separatists, resulting in multiple casualties and horrifying accounts from survivors. The assault led to the deaths of 26 passengers, while security forces managed to rescue 346 individuals, neutralizing the attackers. Eyewitnesses described the brutal targeting of ethnic groups during the chaos, bringing attention to the ongoing conflict in the region and prompting increased military presence for security.
On Tuesday, an attack by Baloch separatist fighters on the Jaffar Express train in Pakistan’s Balochistan province resulted in chaos and loss of life. The assailants targeted the train with rocket-propelled grenades and gunfire while it traversed the Bolan Pass, leading to harrowing accounts from survivors who witnessed fellow passengers being executed. Designated as a significant escalation, the Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA) executed a coordinated assault on the train, leaving destruction in their wake.
The Jaffar Express, having departed Quetta, the provincial capital, was on its way to Peshawar when it came under siege approximately 160 kilometers away from its origin. The attack occurred around 1 PM (08:00 GMT), as the train sailed through the rugged terrain. During the operation, security forces successfully rescued 346 passengers and neutralized all 33 attackers, but not before 26 passengers, including the train driver and a paramilitary soldier, lost their lives.
Eyewitness accounts describe the ordeal as terrifying. One survivor, Ghulam Sarwar, recounted witnessing killings up close, expressing his relief at having escaped with fellow passengers. As a member of the Pakistan Railways Police, Sarwar was present during the attack and recalled the intense exchange of fire between armed personnel and the assailants. The attackers targeted ethnic groups, pulling out Punjabi passengers for execution based on their identity cards, indicating a calculated approach to their brutality.
Moreover, Murad Ali, another passenger, and his wife managed to evade the attackers after being identified and released due to their Sindhi ethnicity. His experience echoed the fear and uncertainty experienced by many, as they fled towards safety while under the threat of gunfire from the separatists. Inputs from officials indicate that the operation to rescue hostages was thorough, with the Balochistan Chief Minister condemning the attack as an effort to distort the perception of Quetta’s security environment.
Following the incident, additional military presence was dispatched to key railway stations in the region, with measures underway to prevent further attacks. The recent hijacking stands as a grim addition to a history of prior violent incidents involving trains in the province, underscoring the enduring conflict between Baloch separatists and the Pakistani state, centered around demands for independence and rights for the Baloch people.
The recent hijacking of the Jaffar Express train by Baloch separatists has highlighted the volatile security situation in Pakistan’s Balochistan province. Witness accounts of brutal executions underscore the severity of the assault. With Balochistan’s Chief Minister calling attention to the separatists’ intentions, the Pakistani government is reinforcing its military presence and efforts to enhance security. This tragic event marks a significant moment in the ongoing conflict, reflecting broader issues of ethnic tensions and demands for independence.
Original Source: www.aljazeera.com
