A deadly hostage situation unfolded in Balochistan’s Bolan district as terrorists hijacked the Jaffer Express near the Mashkaf Tunnel, taking more than 400 passengers hostage. Security forces have launched a large-scale operation, rescuing at least 155 people, including women and children, while eliminating 27 terrorists. The unprecedented attack, claimed by the banned Baloch Liberation Army (BLA), has led to heavy casualties, with at least ten security personnel among the dead. Due to the hostages’ presence, the military operation is being conducted with extreme caution.
Reports indicate that the attackers, some of whom are equipped with suicide vests, are using innocent passengers as human shields. Pakistan Railways has suspended all train operations to and from Balochistan, setting up emergency help desks for affected families. Meanwhile, the government has imposed an emergency in local hospitals to accommodate the wounded. Survivors have recounted harrowing details of the attack, describing explosions and gunfire that struck the train. Many managed to flee on foot, later being rescued by security forces.
The attack near the Mashkaf Tunnel, an isolated mountainous region, marks an alarming escalation in militant activity in Pakistan. The government and security forces remain committed to eliminating the remaining attackers and ensuring the safe recovery of all passengers. Leaders across the country, including President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, have strongly condemned the assault, vowing decisive action against terrorism. As the situation unfolds, authorities continue their efforts to bring the perpetrators to justice and prevent such attacks in the future.
