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Baloch rebels release video showing how they hijacked Jaffar Express
Pak Train Hijack: The video captures the moment the rebels triggered a blast to hijack the train
What’s the story
The Baloch Liberation Army (BLA) has released a video of the moment they hijacked a Jaffar Express train in Pakistan’s Balochistan province on Tuesday.
The footage captures the way militants blew up explosives on the railway tracks, causing the Peshawar-bound train to come to a sudden halt before they stormed in and took hostages.
Over 400 passengers were on board at the time of the attack.
Security forces rescue hostages, kill militants
The BLA’s attack on the train led to a tense standoff with Pakistani security forces.
In a two-day operation, at least 27 militants were killed, and 155 hostages, including women and children, were rescued.
However, the situation remains critical as insurgents still hold hostages at several locations.
The attack occurred in Bolan, a mountainous region known for its difficult terrain and numerous railway tunnels.
Pakistan Railways sets up emergency help desks
Following the hijack, Pakistan Railways established emergency help desks at Peshawar and Quetta railway stations for anxious families to get updates.
The Jaffar Express is often targeted, as the train is commonly used by security personnel, mostly from Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa provinces, Al Jazeera reported.
The last major attack on the Jaffar Express took place last November when a suicide bomber detonated himself, killing 30.
BLA demands release of political prisoners
The BLA, which wants Balochistan independence, has demanded Baloch political prisoners and activists be released in exchange for the hostages.
They threatened to execute hostages if their demands aren’t met.
However, CM Mir Sarfraz Bugti said military operations wouldn’t stop “until the last terrorist is eliminated.”
Oil and mineral-rich Balochistan is Pakistan’s largest but least populous province. The BLA claims that intruders are exploiting the region’s natural riches and have increased attacks against Pakistanis and people from other regions.
NDT & NEWSBYTESAPP