Train Hijacked in Pakistan, Baloch Rebels Release Chilling Video

Train Hijacked in Pakistan, Baloch Rebels Release Chilling Video

In a concerning escalation of violence in Pakistan’s restive Balochistan province, the Baloch Liberation Army (BLA) has released a startling video showing how they bombed a railway track before storming a passenger train, taking an unknown number of passengers hostage. The incident, which occurred on Tuesday afternoon, involved the hijacking of the Jafar Express at the entrance of a remote tunnel in a frontier district bordering Afghanistan and Iran.

Pakistan train hijack : Baloch Liberation Army (BLA) ने जारी किया वीडियो #TrainHijack #PakistanTrainHijack #BalochLiberationArmy pic.twitter.com/TtTrlKfm2z

— Anil Thakur (@Ani_iTV) March 12, 2025

The Incident and Immediate Aftermath

The released video, spanning approximately one minute and 23 seconds, portrays the tense moments immediately after rebels detonated explosives to disrupt the railway line. In the grainy footage, frightened passengers are seen crouching on the ground under the watchful eyes of heavily armed rebels silhouetted against the rugged mountainous terrain.

At the time of the attack, the Jafar Express carried more than 450 passengers. Pakistani security forces swiftly initiated a large-scale rescue operation, managing to free around 190 hostages over two days. However, an unspecified number of hostages remain captive, creating uncertainty and anxiety among families awaiting news.

Describing the harrowing experience, Muhammad Bilal, a passenger who escaped along with his mother, recounted his ordeal to AFP, “I can’t find the words to describe how we managed to escape. It was terrifying.”

Rebels Demand Prisoner Exchange

The BLA, known for its violent insurgency against the Pakistani government, quickly claimed responsibility for the attack. In their communication, the rebels demanded the release of their imprisoned members, clearly intending to leverage the hostages in an exchange with security forces.

The insurgency in Balochistan has deep historical roots and has intensified significantly since the Taliban regained control in neighboring Afghanistan in 2021. The BLA, among other insurgent groups, argues that the province’s abundant natural resources are unjustly exploited by outsiders, leaving local communities impoverished and marginalized.

Persistent Targeting of Non-local Communities

This attack marks another grim chapter in the long-standing conflict that has frequently targeted individuals and infrastructure perceived as symbols of external control. Punjabi and Sindhi laborers, along with Pakistani security forces and foreign development projects, have consistently borne the brunt of rebel attacks.

Last year, BLA militants carried out coordinated overnight assaults that included capturing a vital highway and executing travelers from other ethnic groups, actions which significantly heightened tensions in the region.

Pakistan Security Forces Intensify Operations

Amid escalating violence, Pakistani authorities have ramped up operations in Balochistan to neutralize insurgent threats. The latest hostage crisis underscores the challenges faced by security forces in effectively controlling insurgent activities within the vast, mountainous, and strategically significant province.

The government’s full-scale operation remains ongoing, as officials strive to secure the safe release of the remaining hostages. This event underscores the urgency for a comprehensive strategy to address the complex dynamics fueling insurgency in Balochistan.