Balochistan, March 11: The train which was hijacked by the separatist militant group in Pakistan’s Balochistan province has been reportedly set on fire by the militant group. There are also reports that the fire occurred due to the intense clashes between the separatist group militants and the Pakistani Air Force which reportedly conducted air strikes.
The shocking visuals of the burning train has surfaced on the internet and the videos are being widely shared on social media. The horrific visuals show the entire train on fire and huge cloud of smoke emanating due to the massive fire.
As per reports, separatist militants in Pakistan’s Balochistan province attacked the Peshawar-bound Jaffar Express on Tuesday, taking nearly 400 passengers hostage. The Baloch Liberation Army (BLA) claimed responsibility for the attack and said that its fighters blew up the railway track, forcing the train to stop before seizing control.
Attack and Hostage Situation
According to Balochistan government spokesperson Shahid Rind, intense firing was reported at the train near Mashkaf, Dhadar in Bolan. The BLA claimed to have killed six military personnel and warned of executing hostages if Pakistan launched a rescue operation. The killing of the military personnel has not been confirmed by the authorities yet.
The militant group stated that the attack was carried out by its Majeed Brigade, STOS and Fateh Squad and promised retaliation against any military action.
Train Catches Fire, Rescue Operation Underway
Amid the attack, reports emerged that the train had caught fire, raising fears for the safety of passengers. A train driver was injured in the firing and rescue teams along with security forces have reached the site. An emergency relief team has been sent to aid the injured and control the situation.
The situation of the hostages is not confirmed yet. However, the video shows many people present near the burning train in the area. Fire department vehicles are also visible trying to douse the fire caused in the attack.
The spokesperson of the BLA Jeeyand Baloch issued a statement and said, “Pakistani Ground Forces Repelled, Aerial Battle Continues – BLA
The Baloch Liberation Army has completely repelled the Pakistani military’s ground assault following the seizure of Jaffar Express. After intense clashes, Pakistani ground troops were forced to retreat, but airstrikes from helicopters and drones continue unabated.
The BLA issues a final warning: if the aerial bombardment is not halted immediately, all 100+ hostages will be executed within the next hour. Majeed Brigade, STOS, Fatah Squad, and ZIRAB Unit fighters are actively engaged in countermeasures, and any further military incursion will have catastrophic consequences.
Over 100 enemy personnel remain in BLA custody. The occupying forces still have a chance to cease airstrikes and save their men, or else the Pakistani military will bear full responsibility for the execution of all hostages.”
Relief Train Rushed to The Spot
As per reports, “Pakistan Army has rushed a relief train with reinforcements of Pakistani soldiers and doctors from Quetta Railway station to Sibi in Balochistan after Jaffar Express was hijacked with 100+ passengers. Baloch rebels have set free Baloch passengers and women/children.”
