On March 11, 2025, the Baloch Liberation Army (BLA) executed a brazen attack on the Jaffar Express train in Pakistan’s Balochistan province. The militant group claims to have killed 20 soldiers and taken 182 hostages, marking a significant escalation in their insurgency efforts.
Baloch Liberation Army train hijack Attack Details
The incident occurred in the Bolan district as the Jaffar Express traveled from Quetta to Peshawar. According to reports, BLA militants bombed the railway track, causing the train to derail inside tunnel number 8. The attackers then boarded the train, leading to intense gunfire with security personnel on board. The BLA warned that any military intervention would result in the execution of all hostages.
Baloch Liberation Army train hijack Hostage Situation
The BLA stated that they have taken 182 hostages. They released civilian passengers, particularly women, children, older people, and Baloch citizens, and provided them with a secure route. The group maintains that the remaining hostages are primarily security personnel.
Government Response
Balochistan government spokesperson Shahid Rind confirmed reports of intense firing inside the Jaffar Express. He labeled the incident as an act of terrorism. Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi condemned the attack, stating that those who fire on innocent passengers do not deserve any concessions. An emergency has been imposed at Sibi hospital to handle potential casualties.
BLA’s Motives and History
The BLA is a Baloch ethnonationalist militant organization seeking independence for the Balochistan province, which borders Afghanistan and Iran. Operating primarily from safe havens across southern Afghanistan, the BLA has a history of targeting Pakistani armed forces, civilians, and foreign nationals. They have been designated as a terrorist organization by Pakistan, the United States, and the United Kingdom.
In recent months, the BLA has intensified its operations. In January 2025, they claimed responsibility for a suicide attack on a Pakistani army convoy near Turbat, resulting in 47 security personnel killed and over 30 injured. The group has also released footage showcasing attacks against Pakistani forces in various regions of Balochistan.
Regional Implications
Balochistan, rich in oil and minerals, has long been a hotbed for insurgent activity. The Baloch nationalist militants demand a greater share of the province’s resources and allege discrimination and exploitation by the central government. The region’s instability poses challenges for Pakistan’s security forces and policymakers, especially with the BLA’s recent resurgence.
International Attention
Pakistan has urged the United Nations Security Council to take global action against the BLA and its factions, citing their militant activities as significant threats to regional security. The international community is closely monitoring the situation, given the potential implications for regional stability.
Current Status on Baloch Liberation Army train hijack
As of now, the Pakistani authorities are grappling with the hostage crisis. The rugged, mountainous terrain of the Bolan district complicates rescue operations. Ambulances have been dispatched, but access to the area remains challenging. The fate of the remaining hostages is uncertain, and the situation continues to evolve.
The BLA’s hijacking of the Jaffar Express underscores the escalating insurgency in Balochistan. The group’s ability to execute such a coordinated attack highlights the persistent security challenges in the region. As Pakistani authorities navigate the complexities of the hostage situation, the international community watches closely, concerned about the broader implications for regional stability.
