The driver of Jaffar Express has described the harrowing moments when Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA) insurgents attacked and hijacked the train in Pakistan’s Balochistan province. Meanwhile, rescued passengers have praised the military for their swift and courageous response.
On Tuesday, the train, carrying 440 passengers from Quetta to Peshawar, was ambushed, resulting in the deaths of 21 civilians and four soldiers. According to media reports, the train driver recounted how the insurgents first planted explosives under the train’s engine, causing multiple carriages to derail. As soon as the train came to a halt, BLA militants launched their assault.
One of the released passengers described how the attackers took them hostage at gunpoint after the explosion. The passenger expressed gratitude for the bravery of the commandos, who risked their lives to rescue them. He stated that the army’s courage gave them strength during the terrifying ordeal.
As per agency report, the attack took place in a tunnel near the mountainous regions of Gudlar and Piru Kunri. The BLA insurgents fired upon the train and took passengers hostage, prompting security forces to launch a counter-operation.
On Wednesday, security forces stormed the hijacked Jaffar Express, bringing an end to a tense 30-hour standoff in the rugged Bolan region of Balochistan. All 33 terrorists were eliminated, and over 300 passengers were successfully rescued.
Pakistan’s military spokesperson, Lieutenant General Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry, confirmed that despite the successful operation, 21 civilians lost their lives during the attack.
