Pakistan’s military rescued nearly 350 hostages after a deadly standoff with baloch militants who hijacked the jaffer express in balochistan. the attack, claimed by the baloch liberation army (bla), left at least 27 hostages, a soldier, and 35 militants dead.
The train, carrying 450 passengers from quetta to peshawar, came under attack as it passed through a tunnel. militants opened fire and seized control, using passengers as human shields.
The military launched a rescue operation, killing dozens of militants. Armed sources claimed the attackers were in contact with handlers in Afghanistan, a longstanding allegation by pakistan’s government, CNN International reported.
The hijacking underscores the worsening insurgency in balochistan, where militants have long demanded greater autonomy and economic rights. The province, rich in resources, has seen growing discontent, particularly since the leasing of Gwadar Port to china.
The BLA has been behind several deadly attacks in recent years, including a suicide bombing at a quetta train station and an ambush on a convoy of chinese engineers. Analysts warn that pakistan’s counterinsurgency approach is failing, urging a strategic shift.
Prime Minister shehbaz sharif condemned the attack, vowing to eradicate militancy. Gowever, experts believe that without addressing balochistan’s grievances, security challenges will persist, threatening both regional stability and foreign investments.
