Taliban Rejects Pakistan’s Claim of Afghan Link to Balochistan Train Hijacking- wna24
Taliban Rejects Pakistan’s Claim of Afghan Link to Balochistan Train Hijacking | Image:
AP
Kabul/Islamabad: The Taliban on Thursday rejected Pakistan ’s accusations that Afghanistan-based militants were behind the hijacking of the Jaffar Express train in Balochistan.
Abdul Qahar Balkhi, spokesperson for Afghanistan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, dismissed the allegations, calling them “baseless”.
Taliban Urged Pakistan to Solve Internal Issues
“We categorically reject baseless allegations by the Pakistani army spokesperson linking the attack on a passenger train in Balochistan with Afghanistan and urge the Pakistani side to focus on resolving their own security and internal problems instead of making such irresponsible remarks,” he said.
Pakistan Blamed Afghan-Based Terrorists
On Tuesday, separatist militants hijacked a Quetta-Peshawar-bound train, taking hundreds of passengers hostage in the Bolan region of Balochistan. The Baloch Liberation Army (BLA) claimed responsibility for the attack.
Also Read: Major Train Accident Averted in Jalgaon: Mumbai-Amravati Express Hits, Drags Wheat-laden Truck For 500 Metres
This came amid reports that Pakistan accused terrorist leaders based in Afghanistan of orchestrating the attack, citing intelligence reports that allegedly confirmed direct communication between those leaders and the attackers.
Pakistan Army Claimed Operation Ended
On Wednesday, a Pakistani Army spokesperson said that security forces ended an operation to rescue hostages, killing all 33 militants involved. However, 21 passengers and four soldiers lost their lives during the operation.
“The armed forces successfully concluded the operation by killing all terrorists and rescuing all passengers safely,” said Lt. Gen Ahmad Sharif Chaudhry.
The Baloch Liberation Army (BLA) denied the claim, stating that fighting was still ongoing and that Pakistani forces were suffering heavy losses.
“The ground reality is that the battle continues on multiple fronts, and the enemy (Pakistani military) is suffering heavy casualties and military losses,” the BLA said in a statement.
BLA’s Fight for Balochistan Independence
The Baloch Liberation Army has been fighting for independence from Pakistan, and the group has carried out multiple attacks against security forces in recent years.