ISLAMABAD: The Baloch Liberation Army (BLA) hijacked Jaffer Express in Pakistan’s Bolan district, claiming to have taken 182 passengers hostage and killed 20 Pakistani soldiers. The militant group also claimed to have shot down a drone during the attack.

The attack occurred around 1:00 PM on the Quetta to Peshawar route near Mashkaf, Bolan district. As of 7:30 PM, the train remains under BLA control.

BLA executed the attack in Mashkaf between Gudalar and Piru Kunri, a mountainous region with 17 tunnels, where trains must slow down. Taking advantage of this, BLA fighters planted explosives on Tunnel No. 8, causing the train to derail before launching a gunfire attack, injuring the train driver.

The train was carrying Pakistani security personnel, police, and ISI agents en route to Punjab. Despite resistance from security forces, BLA managed to seize control of the train. Eleven security personnel were killed in the attack.

Pakistan Army’s Response

Upon learning of the hijacking, the Pakistan Army launched ground and aerial attacks against BLA fighters. However, the insurgents managed to block the ground operation.

In response, the Pakistani government dispatched reinforcements via train, carrying additional troops. Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi condemned the attack, stating, “We will not negotiate with these terrorists who fired on innocent passengers.”

BLA’s Statement

In a statement, BLA claimed responsibility for the attack, stating that its Fidayeen Unit and Majeed Brigade carried out the operation with support from Fateh Squad, STOS, and Zirab Intelligence Wing.

BLA further clarified that it released women, children, and Baloch passengers, keeping only Pakistani military, police, Anti-Terrorism Force (ATF), and ISI personnel as hostages.

The BLA warned, “If a military operation is launched against us, we will execute all hostages, and Pakistan Army will bear full responsibility.”