Pakistani Army Faces BLA Hijacking of Jaffer Express

The Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA) has released a video of the hijacking of Pakistan’s Jaffer Express. The video shows that as the train approached a tunnel, BLA targeted the engine with a bomb blast. The train then entered the tunnel, where BLA had stationed snipers on top to counter any rescue attempts by the Pakistani army. The video also shows several hostages, and BLA claims to have taken over 200 Pakistani soldiers captive, along with killing 40. Meanwhile, the Pakistani army has launched a rescue operation using helicopters, but BLA fighters seem to have the upper hand in the ongoing battle.

The Pakistani army stated that security forces are continuously attacking BLA positions. According to security sources, 37 passengers were injured during the rescue operation and were provided medical treatment. Officials reported that Jaffer Express, carrying around 500 passengers in nine coaches, was traveling from Quetta to Peshawar in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa when armed militants stopped it inside a tunnel in the mountainous Bolan region on Tuesday afternoon, near Piru Kunri and Gudlar. The BLA later claimed responsibility for the attack.

⚡️Pakistan 🇵🇰 Hijacking⚡️Balochistan Liberation Army Releases Alleged Footage of Jaffar Express Attack & Visuals of Operation to Round Up Hostages https://t.co/vIJBrGD2n9 pic.twitter.com/OgYhU0fiFv

— RT_India (@RT_India_news) March 12, 2025

The Bolan region, spanning over 100 kilometers between Quetta and Sibi, consists of 17 tunnels through which the railway line passes. Due to the difficult terrain, trains often move at a slower speed in this area. Security sources confirmed that during the ongoing firefight with terrorists, they managed to rescue 155 passengers, including women and children. So far, security forces have killed at least 27 militants. According to sources, the terrorists have placed suicide bombers near innocent hostages, using them as human shields.

The sources further revealed that fearing defeat, the terrorists have taken women and children hostage at three different locations, making the security operation extremely challenging. Authorities are proceeding with caution to neutralize the remaining militants.

A security official stated, “The terrorists have now split into smaller groups, attempting to escape under the cover of darkness, but security forces have surrounded the tunnel, and the remaining hostages will soon be rescued.” Pakistani media has reported intense gunfire and explosions near the tunnel where the militants attacked the train. In response, Pakistan Railways has set up an emergency desk at Quetta railway station to provide information to anxious relatives. The rebels claim they have released women and children, but officials have denied this, stating that security forces conducted the rescue.

The District Police Officer (DPO) of the area where the train was halted, Rana Mohammad Dilawar, confirmed that security forces have surrounded the region, but reports suggest that some women and children are still held hostage. He also mentioned that four to five government officials were onboard the train. Meanwhile, Senior Officer Tariq Mehmood at Peshawar Railway Station urged the public to ignore misinformation spread on social media.

BLA has claimed responsibility for derailing and taking control of the train, stating that they have killed six security personnel. In a statement, the group warned that if Pakistan’s military launches an operation, “all hostages will be executed.” The BLA is banned in Pakistan, the UK, and the US. Balochistan has witnessed a surge in terrorist attacks over the past year. In November last year, a suicide bomber at Quetta railway station killed 26 people and injured 62 others, prompting Pakistan Railways to suspend several services.