NEWS & POLITICAL

Pakistani Forces End Train Hijacking by Separatist Militants, 33 Attackers Killed

by admin on | 2025-03-13 13:02:09

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Pakistan’s military successfully ended a dramatic standoff on March 12, 2025, after separatist militants from Balochistan hijacked the Jaffar Express, a train carrying over 400 passengers. The attackers, numbering 33, blew up a railway track and fired rockets at the train, taking hundreds hostage in a day-long siege. Security forces stormed the train, killing all the militants, though the operation resulted in the tragic loss of 21 hostages and four troops.

The Baloch Liberation Army, a separatist group seeking independence for the Balochistan region, claimed responsibility, citing grievances over resource exploitation and government neglect. The attack began when the militants derailed the train near Mach railway station, escalating into a hostage crisis that gripped the nation. Authorities reported that the militants were heavily armed, using explosives and rocket launchers, which complicated the rescue efforts.

This incident has reignited debates over Pakistan’s internal security and the ongoing insurgency in Balochistan, a resource-rich but underdeveloped province. The government has vowed to crack down on separatist activities, while locals fear retaliatory measures could worsen tensions. Internationally, the event has drawn attention to the stability of Pakistan’s infrastructure and its ability to protect civilians amid rising militancy.