IED Blast Causes Derailment of Jaffar Express Headed Towards Balochistan

Jaffar Express Targeted Again, Attackers Claim Pakistani Military Personnel Travelled in the Train

The Baloch Rebel Group has openly admitted to bombing the  Jaffar Express train headed to Balochistan from Pakistan. The incident occurred near the Sultankot area, which is close to the Sindh-Balochistan border. An IED blast caused the train to derail, injuring several people. The attackers claimed that Pakistani military personnel were travelling in the train to justify the attack.

About the Baloch Attack

The Jaffar Express was attacked on Tuesday. According to the sources, an improvised explosive device (IED) was planted on the tracks, which exploded as soon as the train passed over it. The blast led to the derailment of six coaches, injuring several people; however, the exact number of injured people has not yet been disclosed.

The Baloch Rebel Group has claimed responsibility for the bombing. They claimed the presence of Pakistan’s armed forces on the train as the reason for their attack. 

Here’s what the Baloch Republican Guards have said in their recent statement over the bombing: “The train was attacked at a time when personnel of the occupying Pakistani Army were travelling on board. As a result of the explosion, several soldiers were killed and injured, and six coaches of the train derailed.”

They further added, “The BRG claims responsibility for this attack and declares that such operations will continue until the independence of Balochistan.”

Jaffar Express Targeted Multiple Times

This is not the first time the Baloch Rebel Group has attacked Jaffar Express. The train had been struck multiple times in the past as it runs between Peshawar and Quetta. 

The Rebel Group also hijacked the train on 11 March while heading towards Peshawar from Quetta. The attack was planned in the Bolan area, and 21 passengers were killed. In response to this attack, the security forces of Pakistan killed around 33 terrorists associated with the attack.

Another terrorist attack was planned on 24 September. During this attack, at least 12 people were killed, including women and children. The Jaffar Express was targeted again in this attack near the Spizened area in Balochistan.

The relations between Pakistan and Balochistan have intensified over time. While the Baloch Rebel Group (BRG) demands independence of Balochistan from Pakistan, the latter repeatedly rejects the proposal, further agitating the BRG.