Several passengers were injured in an attack by gunmen on the Jafar Express on Tuesday in the disturbed Balochistan of Pakistan. Given the seriousness of the situation, the provincial government directed the officials to take “emergency measures”.
Quoting officials, PTI reported that the train, Jafar Express, with about 500 passengers in nine coaches, was going from Quetta to Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, when he was attacked between Gudler and Piru Konari areas.
According to Pakistan -based Geo News, the attackers blown the railway track and started firing on the train. Talking to AFP, a senior police officer said the train was stopped in a hilly area, “it became easy for terrorists to make space to hide and plan attacks.”
Balochistan government spokesman Shahid Rind said, “There are reports of fierce firing between Pehro Kunri and Gadalar on the Jafar Express going from Quetta to Peshawar.” Official data of loss is still awaited. However, citing security sources, PTI said that the driver and several passengers of the train were injured in the shootout.
Baloch Liberal Army took responsibility
The Baloch Liberal Army has taken responsibility for hijacking the Jafar Express. The group is banned in Pakistan, Britain and America. According to the statement issued by the organization, the train operated by the Pakistan Railways has been hijacked and hundreds of passengers have been taken hostage.
According to the report, the militant group had controlled the train and said that at least six military personnel were killed and the remaining 100 passengers have been taken hostage. However, his claim has not been confirmed independent.
BLA further warned that if a military operation is carried out, all the hostages will be killed. The group spokesperson said the campaign is being run by Bla Majeed Brigade Fateh Squad and Stos. The militant group said, “If the occupied army runs a military campaign, the results will be serious. All hundreds of hostages will be killed, and the responsibility of this bloodshed will be fully occupied by the army.”
Rescue operations continue
Officials have deployed rescue teams and security forces to search the scene, and a campaign is being carried out to locate the attackers. Emergency has been declared in local hospitals and the Balochistan government has directed local authorities to take “emergency measures”.
It has been reported that security sources have said that the campaign will continue till the end of the final terrorist. After the initial investigation, railway officials confirmed that the driver of the train had suffered serious injuries, and an emergency relief train has been sent for assistance.
A statement by the provincial government said that Emergency has been imposed in Sibi Hospital and ambulances and security forces are reaching the spot. Commenting on the developments, internal minister Mohsin Naqvi condemned the incident, saying, “Animals firing on innocent travelers are not entitled to any concession.”
