On March 11, 2025, Baloch Liberation Army (BLA) insurgents hijacked the Jaffar Express train in Pakistan's Balochistan province and abducted more than 400 travelers. The train was on its way from Quetta to Peshawar and was ambushed inside a tunnel along the mountainous routes of Gudalar and Piru Kunri.
The militants exploded bombs on the rail track, stopping the train and opening fire. They employed women and children as human shields, making rescue operations difficult.
Security forces initiated a counter-operation, freeing 104 passengers, 58 men, 31 women, and 15 children. During the battle, 16 militants were killed. Some of the insurgents escaped into the mountains with hostages, leading to continued pursuit by security officials.
The BLA, which Pakistan and the U.S. both list as a terrorist organization, has been involved in the past in attacks against security personnel, civilians, and Chinese nationals.
Emergency has been declared, and hospitals have been put on red alert. Rescue efforts are still ongoing as officials try to safely release the last of the hostages and arrest the militants.
