New Delhi: Commenting on Pakistan media reports regarding the attack on the Jaffar Express in Balochistan, West Asia strategist Waiel Awwad stated that the Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA) has claimed responsibility for hijacking the train, which was carrying over 100 Pakistani soldiers.

"The BLA has claimed the hijacking of a Pakistani train with more than 100 soldiers," Awwad said. "They have been releasing the children and the elderly woman and are negotiating with the Pakistani authorities."

Allegations of oppression in Balochistan
According to Awwad, Baloch separatists believe that Pakistan annexed Balochistan unfairly after partition and that years of oppression have led to their armed resistance against the Pakistani army.

"Balochistan feels that Pakistan has occupied and annexed Balochistan province into Pakistan after the partition," he said. "They believe that they have been oppressed... All the oppression of the Baloch people led to their fighting against the Pakistan army."

He also noted that the Baloch movement is calling for global demonstrations on March 28 in protest against Pakistani authorities.

Train tracks blown up, casualties feared
Reports indicate that the attackers blew up the railway track before taking control of the train. There were also reports of an exchange of fire between the rebels and Pakistani forces.

"As per the early reports, there are some of the casualties... They blew up the train track and took the train into safe custody. There are some exchanges of fires," Awwad said.

Pakistan's military has deployed drones and other forces in response to the attack, though the exact number of casualties remains unconfirmed.

"Pakistan army is using drones and military force... The number of casualties is not yet confirmed," he added.

With ANI inputs