Train Siege in Pakistan: Passengers Describe Horror
In a harrowing incident in Pakistan’s Balochistan province, armed militants seized the Jaffar Express train, leaving passengers in a state of panic and fear. Over 400 individuals were on board during the attack by the Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA), which resulted in a tense standoff. As rescue operations continue, military sources report that 155 passengers have been freed, while 27 militants were killed, though these figures remain unverified.
Passengers Share Their Ordeal
Survivors of the train hijacking have recounted terrifying experiences, describing the atmosphere as one of “doomsday.” Ishaq Noor, a passenger who managed to escape, expressed the fear that gripped everyone on board as gunfire erupted. “We held our breath throughout the firing, not knowing what would happen next,” he told the BBC. The train was en route from Quetta to Peshawar when the BLA launched its attack, taking several passengers hostage.
Rescue efforts are ongoing, with security forces deploying hundreds of troops, helicopters, and special forces to secure the remaining hostages. Reports suggest that some militants may have fled the train, taking an unknown number of passengers into the surrounding mountainous terrain. Among the passengers were at least 100 members of the security forces, complicating the situation further.
Escape and Rescue Efforts
Many passengers who escaped the siege faced a grueling journey to safety. Muhammad Ashraf, who was traveling to visit family, described the fear that permeated the train. After managing to disembark, he and others walked nearly four hours to reach the nearest railway station, carrying weaker passengers on their shoulders. “We reached the station with great difficulty,” he recounted, highlighting the exhaustion and fear that accompanied their escape.
Another survivor, Mushtaq Muhammad, recalled the chaos during the attack. He noted that the attackers communicated in Balochi, focusing particularly on the security personnel. Some passengers, including women and children, were released by the militants, but the total number of hostages still in captivity remains unclear. Security forces are intensifying their operations, with the situation evolving rapidly.
International Response and Ongoing Concerns
The BLA has a long history of insurgency in Balochistan, often targeting infrastructure and security forces. The Pakistani military has faced accusations of human rights violations in its counter-insurgency efforts, including enforced disappearances and extrajudicial killings. The Human Rights Commission of Pakistan has expressed grave concern over the train hijacking, urging stakeholders to seek a peaceful resolution to the ongoing conflict in the region.
Internationally, the United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres condemned the attack and called for the immediate release of all remaining passengers. The situation remains tense as authorities work to secure the safety of those still held hostage, while the BLA has threatened “severe consequences” for any rescue attempts.
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