Baluchistan once again witnessed a cowardly attempt at attacking the Jaffar Express. As per the Pakistani Army and security forces, a devastating attack was planned to be executed, but the timely response of the police and their vigilance led to its prevention. Media reports further suggest that the train has been targeted by militants several times. The train was previously attacked in March this year; Baloch militants had attacked the train and taken several travellers hostage.
As per a recent report by Dawn, militants had planned an expansive attack on the Jaffar Express and had planted an explosive device on the tracks of the Peshawar-bound train in the Nasirabad area of Balochistan on Saturday. A police official reported that after receiving information about the explosive, law enforcement agencies cordoned the area off and defused the explosives placed in time to keep everyone protected. The identity of the group that planted the explosives has not been revealed yet.
Jaffar Express on target
This is not the first time that an attack has been attempted on the Jaffar Express in Pakistan. The train has been repeatedly targeted, particularly in restive Balochistan, leading to its cancellations several times in recent months. The cancellations have been due to hijacking threats and intelligence reports.
Previously, on March 11, a deadly attack had taken place on the Jaffar Express, and the Balochistan Liberation Army had hijacked the train, which was carrying approximately 400 passengers. This led to a fierce two-day battle between the BLA and the Pakistani Army. After the two-day operation, security forces announced the release of the train.
Unrest in Balochistan, KP
Persistent unrest has existed in Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa; both provinces have long witnessed various forms of insurgency against the military and government. In Balochistan in particular, groups like the Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA) have declared war on the Pakistani government led by Asim Munir. The BLA has consistently targeted Pakistani forces and government structures.
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