A deadly standoff between Pakistan’s military and militants who hijacked a train in Balochistan has concluded with the rescue of nearly 350 hostages, though 27 hostages and one soldier lost their lives. The incident, which escalated on Tuesday, has been attributed to the Baloch Liberation Army (BLA), a militant separatist group active in the region.
The confrontation began when armed militants opened fire on the Jaffer Express, which was traveling from Quetta to Peshawar, shortly after it entered a tunnel. Following the assault, the military launched an operation to confront the attackers, who reportedly used women and children as human shields.
Witnesses described the aftermath as chaotic, with one rescued woman likening the experience to the “Day of Judgement.” Another passenger, Mohammad Ashraf, reported seeing over 100 armed individuals on the train and confirmed that women and children were not harmed.
Sources suggest the militants may have been in communication with operatives in Afghanistan, an accusation that the Pakistani government has levied against its neighbor for years, despite denials from Taliban leaders.
The attack underscores the deteriorating security situation in Balochistan, which has been grappling with a long-standing insurgency fueled by economic disenfranchisement and calls for greater political autonomy. This unrest has intensified following the leasing of the Gwadar port to China, a key element of Beijing’s Belt and Road Initiative.
Experts believe the recent hijacking represents an escalation in tactics among insurgents. Abdul Basit, a senior associate fellow at the S. Rajaratnam School of International Studies, noted that the insurgency has evolved strategically, and Pakistan’s current policies may no longer be effective.
The BLA has previously claimed responsibility for major attacks, including a suicide bombing in Quetta last November and an assault on a convoy of Chinese workers.
Following the hijacking, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif committed to combating terrorism, stating that the targeting of innocent civilians during Ramadan reflects a disconnect from Islam’s teachings.
Analysts emphasize the need for urgent government attention to these issues, highlighting that the attack’s visibility could concern China, which has significant investments in the region. A reevaluation of Pakistan’s security strategies in Balochistan is deemed necessary to address the growing threats.
Credit: CNN
