Pakistani Army Concludes Operation Against Jaffer Express Hijackers
The Pakistani army successfully resolved the Jaffer Express hijacking crisis, killing 33 BLA rebels and rescuing hostages, though significant casualties were reported among hostages and security personnel. The BLA claimed higher fatalities, asserting retaliation for military actions. The incident highlights ongoing tensions and demands for political prisoners’ release, fueling an insurgency in Balochistan.
The Pakistani army reported the successful conclusion of a standoff with hijackers of the Jaffer Express on Wednesday. All rebels involved in the ambush were neutralized, resulting in the release of hostages, though the exact number of casualties remains unclear. An army spokesperson confirmed that 33 members of the Baloch Liberation Army (BLA) were killed during the operation.
During a televised address, Lieutenant General Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry of the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) stated that the armed forces had effectively concluded the operation by killing all terrorists and securing the safety of passengers. He also noted the sacrifice of four Frontier Corps personnel during the operation, while militants were reported to have executed 21 hostages prior to the military’s final push.
The BLA, however, claimed responsibility for significantly higher casualties, alleging the execution of 60 captives in retaliation against security forces. They stated that their actions were a direct response to Pakistani aggression and reported the elimination of over 100 personnel from Pakistan’s military over recent confrontations. Allied reports included the transport of approximately 150 empty coffins to the incident scene, though security officials cautioned against linking this to reported fatalities.
The ambush on the Jaffer Express occurred while it traveled through historical tunnels in Balochistan, where the BLA utilized explosives, thereby incapacitating the train amidst approximately 450 passengers. The BLA’s demands for the release of political prisoners and warnings of executing hostages formed part of their operational tactics during this incident.
In reaction to the attack, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif condemned the incident, describing it as one of the most audacious militant operations in recent years. He expressed sorrow for the loss of lives and affirmed Pakistan’s determination for peace despite such acts of terror.
Officials mentioned the deployment of extensive military resources for the hostage rescue, noting the involvement of suicide bombers hampered efforts. Lieutenant General Chaudhry confirmed that snipers were deployed to target these threats precisely, ensuring the safety of hostages during the operation. He also highlighted links between the attackers and external operatives in Afghanistan.
The BLA is recognized as the predominant faction among various ethnic militant groups engaging in a protracted insurgency against the Pakistani government, aimed at establishing independence for the resource-rich Balochistan region. The ongoing conflict has seen an escalation in attacks against Chinese interests, further highlighting local discontent regarding resource exploitation by the central government.
In summation, the Pakistani military has successfully resolved the hostage crisis involving the Jaffer Express hijackers, eliminating all involved rebels while facing significant casualties among both security forces and hostages. The BLA’s claims of extensive executions underline the ongoing complexity of the conflict in Balochistan, emphasizing the deep-seated issues regarding resource management and ethnic relations within the province. Government officials, including Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, continue to condemn these violent acts while reaffirming national resolve for peace in the face of such aggressions.
Original Source: www.hindustantimes.com
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