Baloch Liberation Army claims Jaffar Express hijacking, holds 182 hostages, kills 20 Pak military personnel

In a major escalation in Balochistan, the Baloch Liberation Army (BLA) has claimed responsibility for hijacking the Jaffar Express and taking 182 hostages, holding them in custody for over six hours.

In an official statement, the group said its fighters had engaged in fierce confrontations with the Pakistan Army and Air Force, using anti-aircraft artillery, and had eliminated at least 20 Pakistani military personnel so far.

The Majeed Brigade, BLA’s suicide unit, is currently holding the hostages. According to the group's spokesperson, Jeeyand Baloch, strict instructions have been issued to execute all hostages if Pakistani forces attempt an approach. The group has vowed to continue its resistance “until martyrdom” without retreating.

Also read: Baloch militant group claims control of Pakistan passenger train, Jaffar Express, over 400 held hostage

Hostages and military response

The train, carrying around 450 passengers and staff, was traveling from Quetta in southwestern Balochistan to Peshawar in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa when it was ambushed at Tunnel No. 8, reports said. While the militants claim they have freed women, children, and Baloch passengers, they insist the remaining hostages are Pakistani military personnel and members of security agencies, including the police, Anti-Terrorism Force (ATF), and Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI).

Pakistan's security forces, including reinforcements of soldiers and doctors, rushed to the remote, mountainous site. According to reports, at least 40 ambulances and more than 12 helicopters left the Quetta Military Base and local hospitals for Sibi near the hijack site.

A counter-operation, reportedly involving aerial bombardment, was launched to neutralize the insurgents. However, the BLA claimed to have repelled the initial ground offensive, forcing the troops to retreat.

"Baloch Liberation Army commanders have successfully repulsed the Pakistani military’s ground assault after capturing the Jaffar Express. Despite fierce clashes, ground forces were forced to withdraw, although drone and helicopter strikes are still ongoing," the militant group said.

Government response and emergency measures

The Pakistani government has condemned the attack, with Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi vowing that there will be no concessions for "beasts who fire on innocent passengers." The provincial government has imposed emergency measures, mobilizing all available resources to manage the crisis, according to spokesperson Shahid Rind.

The railway authorities have yet to confirm the number of casualties or establish contact with the passengers and crew. Initial reports suggest multiple travelers were wounded in the attack.

Baloch insurgency and rising tensions

The assault on the Jaffar Express comes shortly after various Baloch resistance groups announced a new, unified militant outfit, the Baloch National Army, aimed at intensifying their offensive against Pakistan and China. The Baloch insurgency, which has been ongoing for years, seeks independence for the mineral-rich Balochistan province, with the ethnic Baloch community accusing the Pakistani state of exploitation and discrimination.

The situation remains tense, with security forces continuing their counter-offensive while the militants threaten severe consequences if military action escalates.

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