Chaos Unfolds in Pakistan's Jaffar Express Hijacking: A Survivor's Account
Chaos Unfolds in Pakistan's Jaffar Express Hijacking: A Survivor's Account
Eyewitness reports from Pakistan's train hijacking reveal harrowing moments as armed militants attack the Jaffar Express, sparking a deadly siege in Balochistan.
A recent attack by armed militants on the Jaffar Express in Balochistan, Pakistan, left 33 attackers and several hostages dead. Eyewitnesses recounted scenes of horror, as military forces worked to rescue about 300 of the 440 passengers. Despite conflicting reports about the remaining hostages, those who escaped shared chilling details of the incident's brutality.
On Tuesday, as Mehboob Hussain rode the Jaffar Express through central Pakistan's Bolan Pass, an unexpected explosion erupted under the front car, bringing the train to a standstill in a remote area devoid of mobile coverage. Soon after, armed militants unleashed a barrage of gunfire upon the train, with the Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA) quickly claiming responsibility for the assault. The militants demanded the release of political prisoners within 48 hours, escalating the situation into a lengthy siege.
Describing the chaos, Hussain recounted how approximately 440 passengers found themselves trapped in a nightmarish predicament. With the insurgents threatening the lives of those onboard, authorities confirmed that 300 hostages have been freed, along with reports of significant casualties among both militants and military personnel.
A railway police officer aboard the train shared insights into the battle that ensued, describing how they fought back until their ammunition was depleted. His harrowing account detailed a descent into fear, as militants began methodically selecting hostages based on ethnicity. Those fortunate enough to be released included women, children, and elderly passengers.
Eyewitnesses, like Noor Muhammad and Allahditta, experienced the trauma first-hand, with some expressing horror at witnessing family members being murdered. As the siege persisted through the night, intermittent gunfire echoed, compounding the sense of dread among the captives.
The turning point came during the morning prayers, as forces from the Frontier Corps mounted an assault, distracting the BLA militants long enough for passengers to flee. In the ensuing chaos, individuals fought for their freedom as the tension escalated. The military reported re-engaging the militants and rescuing further hostages as they cleared the train site.
Currently, questions linger over the fate of 140 passengers still unaccounted for following the incident. While the military pledges to bring those responsible to justice, the remnants of the attack have left deep scars on the survivors, who express gratitude for their lives and worry for their fellow captives.
On Tuesday, as Mehboob Hussain rode the Jaffar Express through central Pakistan's Bolan Pass, an unexpected explosion erupted under the front car, bringing the train to a standstill in a remote area devoid of mobile coverage. Soon after, armed militants unleashed a barrage of gunfire upon the train, with the Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA) quickly claiming responsibility for the assault. The militants demanded the release of political prisoners within 48 hours, escalating the situation into a lengthy siege.
Describing the chaos, Hussain recounted how approximately 440 passengers found themselves trapped in a nightmarish predicament. With the insurgents threatening the lives of those onboard, authorities confirmed that 300 hostages have been freed, along with reports of significant casualties among both militants and military personnel.
A railway police officer aboard the train shared insights into the battle that ensued, describing how they fought back until their ammunition was depleted. His harrowing account detailed a descent into fear, as militants began methodically selecting hostages based on ethnicity. Those fortunate enough to be released included women, children, and elderly passengers.
Eyewitnesses, like Noor Muhammad and Allahditta, experienced the trauma first-hand, with some expressing horror at witnessing family members being murdered. As the siege persisted through the night, intermittent gunfire echoed, compounding the sense of dread among the captives.
The turning point came during the morning prayers, as forces from the Frontier Corps mounted an assault, distracting the BLA militants long enough for passengers to flee. In the ensuing chaos, individuals fought for their freedom as the tension escalated. The military reported re-engaging the militants and rescuing further hostages as they cleared the train site.
Currently, questions linger over the fate of 140 passengers still unaccounted for following the incident. While the military pledges to bring those responsible to justice, the remnants of the attack have left deep scars on the survivors, who express gratitude for their lives and worry for their fellow captives.
