11 Pakistan Army personnel killed, BLA claimed responsibility for hijacking 180 passengers
The North News
New Delhi, March 11
Unidentified gunmen opened fire on the Jaffar Express as it traveled from Quetta to Peshawar, injuring the train’s driver and triggering panic among passengers. The attack, which took place in the mountainous region near Mach, forced the train to a halt, with reports indicating that passengers were taken hostage, the Pakistan-based news outlet The Express Tribune reported. According to reports, the BLA militant group has claimed responsibility for hijacking 180 passengers.
The shooting erupted as the train passed through the Gudalaar and Piru Koneri areas. Eyewitnesses and security officials reported that gunmen stopped the train in a remote tunnel, taking advantage of the rugged terrain to stage the assault. The Railway Police confirmed that around 500 passengers were on board at the time, according to Pakistan-based media outlets..
Emergency protocols were activated in nearby hospitals, with ambulances dispatched from Sibi. Security forces surrounded the area and launched an operation to rescue passengers and secure the site. Officials said explosives may have been used to damage railway tracks before the attack, intensifying the chaos.
“There are reports of intense firing at the Jaffar Express between Pehro Kunri and Gadalar,” Balochistan government spokesperson Shahid Rind said in a statement. Meanwhile, Controller Railways Muhammad Kashif confirmed efforts were underway to re-establish contact with passengers and staff trapped on board, the Pakistan based news outlet the Dawn reported.
The region’s rugged landscape has long been a security challenge, with militants using the remote mountains for cover. Officials said additional security forces and rescue teams had been deployed, though access remained difficult due to the rocky terrain, the news outlet said .
Authorities have declared a state of emergency in Sibi hospital, and rescue trains have been dispatched to the scene. The Balochistan government has ordered all security institutions to remain on high alert, with investigations ongoing into the perpetrators and the possibility of terrorist involvement. Government officials have urged the public to stay calm and avoid misinformation as security operations continue, the Pakistan based news outlet said.
