Unidentified assailants opened fire on the Jaffar Express, en route from Quetta to Peshawar, injuring the train’s driver and spreading panic among passengers. The attack occurred on Tuesday morning as the train passed through the Gudalaar and Piru Koneri areas.
The attackers forced the train to stop in the mountainous Mach region, where some passengers were reportedly taken hostage. Eyewitnesses and Levies sources confirmed that gunfire continued in the area while the train remained stationary.
The Railway Police stated that approximately 500 passengers were onboard at the time of the attack, and while multiple injuries have been reported, the exact details are still under investigation.
The PR officer of the Railway DS confirmed that emergency measures have been implemented, with hospitals on high alert and ambulances dispatched from Sibi.
Security forces have cordoned off the Mach mountain area, known for its rugged terrain, and additional convoys have been deployed to assist in the rescue operation.
Sources suggest that explosives may have been used to damage the railway tracks before the attack began. The driver sustained serious injuries, and sporadic gunfire from the attackers is ongoing as security forces work to secure the train and rescue the passengers.
Balochistan has seen a rise in militant attacks in recent times, though no group has yet claimed responsibility for this assault on the Jaffar Express.
