A bomb blast occurred on the Jaffer Express in Pakistan's Quetta district, derailing six carriages and injuring seven people. The Baloch Republican Guards (BRG) claimed responsibility, stating that such operations would continue until Balochistan achieves sovereignty.
Pakistan: The Jaffer Express has once again been targeted in Pakistan's Quetta district. A bomb blast on the train derailed six carriages and injured seven people. At the time of the blast, the train was heading towards Peshawar. The Baloch insurgent group, Baloch Republican Guards (BRG), carried out this attack. The group claimed responsibility, stating that such operations would continue until Balochistan achieves independence.
Baloch Republican Guards Claim Responsibility
A spokesperson for the Baloch Republican Guards issued a press release stating that the Jaffer Express was targeted via a remote-controlled IED blast near Sultan Kot. They said the attack aimed to target the occupying personnel of the Pakistani army. The explosion injured several soldiers and derailed six train carriages. The BRG clarified that this operation would continue until Balochistan achieves independence.
Security Forces Cordon Off Area
Following the bomb blast, Pakistani security forces and police cordoned off the area. A bomb disposal squad was deployed to inspect the tracks. The explosion occurred in the Sultan Kot area near Somarwah in Sindh province's Shikarpur district. The Jaffer Express, which runs between Quetta and Peshawar, has been repeatedly targeted in recent months.
What is the motive behind these attacks?
The Jaffer Express has been targeted multiple times before. On August 7, the train narrowly escaped an attack near Sibi railway station in Balochistan when a bomb placed near the tracks exploded shortly after its passage. On August 4, gunmen fired upon the train's engine near Kolpur. The Baloch Liberation Army (BLA) claimed responsibility for these attacks.
In March this year, the Jaffer Express was also hijacked by the BLA. Over 400 passengers were held hostage during this incident. Rebels stopped the train by detonating explosives on the tracks near the hilly areas of Piru Kunri and Guddalar in the Bolan region. This incident was seen as a symbol of serious security lapses and internal conflicts in Pakistan's railway history.
Questions Over Passenger Safety
The repeated targeting of the Jaffer Express raises questions about Pakistan's railway security. Previous attacks have harmed both passengers and military personnel. Security agencies had repeatedly warned that Baloch insurgent groups might target train operations, but recent attacks indicate that security arrangements were insufficient. Improvements are needed in passenger safety and the security protocols for train operations.
Statement from Baloch Insurgent Groups
Baloch insurgent groups state that their objective is to achieve the independence (sovereignty) of Balochistan. To this end, they are targeting strategic locations and Pakistani army personnel. The impact of these attacks is not limited to soldiers but also affects ordinary passengers and railway infrastructure. The insurgents have made it clear that these operations will continue until Balochistan achieves independence.
