BLA Places Suicide Bombers Next to Hostage Passengers, Threatens to Blow Them Up As Security Ops Continue- wna24

Islamabad: The Balochistan Liberal Army (BLA), who had hijacked the Peshawar-bound Jaffar Express in Pakistan that had 500 passengers on board, has now issued a new threat to the Pakistan Army. Following the 48-hour ultimatum to ‘neutralise all the passengers’, the BLA has now placed suicide bombers amid the hostage passengers as security ops by the Pakistan Army continue at a large scale. As of now, 155 passengers have been rescued and a total of 27 terrorists have been killed by the Pakistan Army.

In the latest update by the security sources, the terrorists – the Balochistan Liberal Army, who have claimed the responsibility of the Jaffar Express Hijack, are in close contact with their facilitators in Afghanistan. After issuing a 48-hour ultimatum to the Pakistan Army, the BLA has now placed suicide bombers next to the innocent hostage passengers and is threatening to blow them up if their demands are not met.

Also Read: Who Are the Balochi Rebels and What Is Their Long-Standing Demand?

According to the security sources, the terrorists are wearing explosive vests and as the possibility of defeat looms over their head, they are using the innocent hostages as human shields. The officials, however, are not backing down and are continuing their security ops, to eliminate the remaining terrorists.

A statement was released by the Balochistan Liberal Army on March 11, directed to the Pakistan Army, titled, “Occupying Forces Retreat, More Than 30 Personnel Eliminated, 48-hour Ultimatum For Prisoner Exchange – BLA”. 

The statement reads, “Baloch Liberation Army freedom fighters, through planned military strategy and aggressive advances, forced the ground and air reinforcements of the occupying Pakistani army to retreat after eight hours of fighting. In the clashes that continued for several hours, more than 30 enemy personnel have been eliminated so far, with many others wounded, while the occupying forces have suffered heavy losses.

BLA has maintained complete control of the train and all hostages for the past eight hours. Under the rules of war, these 214 hostages are considered prisoners of war, and BLA is prepared for a prisoner exchange. The occupying state of Pakistan is given 48 hours to immediately and unconditionally release Baloch political prisoners, forcibly disappeared persons, and national resistance activists.

The 214 Pakistani personnel, including military, paramilitary, police, and intelligence officers, are being held under full security and in accordance with the rules of war by the BLA. If our demands are not met within the stipulated period, or if the occupying state attempts any military action during this time, all prisoners of war will be neutralized, and the train will be completely destroyed. The Pakistani army will bear full responsibility for the consequences.

This announcement is final and irrevocable. The occupying enemy is warned that the BLA is fully capable of effectively and promptly implementing every decision it makes.”

• Peshawar-Bound Jaffar Express Hijacked

The Jaffar Express, with around 500 passengers across nine coaches, was en route from Quetta to Peshawar when it was attacked by gunfire between Gudalaar and Piru Koneri. Shahid Rind, a spokesperson for the Balochistan government, verified reports of intense gunfire aimed at the train between Pehro Kunri and Gadalar. Emergency measures have been activated at local hospitals, and security officials have stated that the operation will continue until all militants are eliminated.

Also Read: How Balochistan Uprising Has Gained Momentum in Last 6 Months?

• Who Hijacked the Jaffar Express?

The Baloch Liberation Army (BLA) stands as one of the most formidable insurgent groups active in Balochistan, a resource-rich region that shares borders with Afghanistan and Iran. As the largest among several ethnic insurgent factions, the BLA has been engaged in a long-standing struggle against Pakistan’s federal government. These groups contend that the government exploits the province’s vast natural gas and mineral resources for the benefit of the nation, while offering little to the local Baloch population. The militants are fighting for control over these resources, which they believe rightfully belong to the Baloch people. Additionally, the rugged border region of Balochistan has become a sanctuary for both Baloch insurgents and Islamist extremists.

• Why Did BLA Hijack the Train?

The BLA’s goals are driven by a push for greater autonomy and control over the region. By taking responsibility for the audacious hijacking of the Jaffar Express in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa, the group has demonstrated its growing confidence, bolstered capabilities, and a steadfast determination to achieve its objectives. It is a bold step towards the fulfilment of their demand of an independent state of Balochistan.

• Why Do the Rebels Want an Independent State of Balochistan?

Balochistan, the largest province in Pakistan by area, is home to approximately 15 million people. The region is largely made up of arid deserts and rugged mountains, holding vast untapped mineral resources. It is the stronghold of Pakistan’s Baloch ethnic minority, who allege widespread discrimination and exploitation by the central government. The province has long been at the center of an insurgency led by separatist militant groups, which have targeted government forces, the military, and Chinese interests. These groups seek a larger share of Balochistan’s gas and mineral wealth, with the BLA being the largest and most prominent, pushing for the region’s independence.