Train Hijacking in Balochistan: Eyewitnesses Describe Harrowing Attack

Eyewitness accounts reveal the chaos and horror experienced during the Balochistan train hijacking, where armed militants took control of the Jaffar Express and held passengers hostage for over 30 hours, leading to a tragic loss of life as authorities attempted to regain control.

In an unprecedented act of violence in Pakistan's Balochistan province, more than 400 passengers aboard the Jaffar Express train experienced sheer terror when the train was ambushed by militants on Tuesday. Mehboob Hussain, one of the passengers, recounted how the situation escalated into chaos after an explosion tore through the tracks, incapacitating the train in the remote Bolan Pass region, devoid of mobile and internet connectivity.

The assailants, identified as members of the Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA), immediately claimed responsibility, demanding the release of political prisoners within a tight deadline. With a history of militant activities aimed at securing independence for Balochistan, the BLA’s bold hijacking of a train showcased a new height in their insurgency tactics.

The siege, which lasted over 30 hours, resulted in the tragic deaths of 33 militants, 21 civilians, and four military personnel, while authorities reported that around 300 hostages were ultimately freed. Eyewitness accounts depict a scene of despair, with passengers reportedly holding their breath as gunfire erupted around them.

A railway police officer, one of the on-board security personnel, described fighting bravely against the overwhelming numbers of the militants until they ran out of ammunition. He noted that the BLA operatives strategically sorted the hostages based on their ethnicity, creating a terrifying environment where those deemed worthy of life were permitted to leave.

Throughout the night, the sound of gunfire echoed as the militants determinedly executed their threats, with several passengers witnessing horrific scenes, including the killings of their companions. Testimonies from those who eventually escaped portrayed confusion and panic, with individuals frantically fleeing into the wilderness under gunfire when military forces were able to launch an attack.

The morning of freedom, aided by military intervention, saw some passengers sprinting away from their captors in a desperate bid for safety. However, authorities remain vigilant about the status of nearly 140 passengers still unaccounted for from the original 440.

As the dust settles from this calamitous event, survivors like Noor Muhammad express gratitude for their lives, juxtaposed with the heavy toll exacted on the community. The situation in Balochistan continues to raise concerns over both security and the ongoing insurgency.