Balochistan [Pakistan]: The Baloch Liberation Army (BLA) has claimed responsibility for the hijacking of the Jaffar Express, stating that it has taken 182 passengers hostage and killed 20 Pakistani military personnel.

In a statement released on Tuesday, the BLA declared that its fighters had seized control of the train for over six hours. “After capturing the Jaffar Express, BLA fighters have taken 182 hostages, who remain in our custody. During this operation, eight additional Pakistani military personnel were eliminated, bringing the total number of enemy casualties to over 20,” the statement read.

BLA spokesperson Jeeyand Baloch stated that over 100 enemy personnel remain in their custody and warned that the Pakistani military would be fully responsible if the hostages were executed. "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," he said.

The group also claimed to be actively engaging with the Pakistani Air Force, using anti-aircraft artillery. “Intense confrontations have taken place with the Pakistani Air Force, and our fighters have inflicted severe losses on the enemy. The BLA continues to reinforce its positions and is leading the operation, directly challenging the Pakistani military,” it claimed.

The BLA further asserted that none of its fighters had sustained injuries or casualties during the attack. It added that all hostages were under the custody of its Fidayeen unit, Majeed Brigade.

“In this successful operation, not a single BLA fighter has been injured or martyred so far. Currently, all hostages are in the custody of the Majeed Brigade. Clear instructions have been given: if the Pakistani military attempts to intervene, all hostages will be executed, and the Fidayeen will continue their resistance until martyrdom without retreating,” the statement concluded.

Local Pakistani media reported that the Jaffar Express was en route from Quetta in Balochistan to Peshawar in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa when it came under heavy gunfire.

According to reports, more than 450 passengers and railway staff may have been taken hostage. The Balochistan government has declared emergency measures and mobilised all institutions to address the crisis. Government spokesperson Shahid Rind told Dawn that authorities are actively responding to the situation.

Meanwhile, ARY News reported that the train’s driver sustained serious injuries. Pakistan’s Samaa TV stated that railway officials have not been able to establish contact with any of the 450 passengers and staff aboard the nine-coach Jaffar Express, which had departed from Quetta at 9 am.

Agencies