According to the reports on Tuesday (07 October), the Jaffar Express was targeted in a major attack near Sultan Kot, a location between Shikarpur and Jacobabad in Pakistan. The Balochistan Republican Guards claimed responsibility, stating that the explosion occurred while Pakistani army personnel were on board. Officials confirmed that a remote-controlled IED caused the powerful blast, resulting in the derailment of six train coaches.
Local authorities reported that four passengers were injured in the incident, and part of the railway track was damaged. The derailment disrupted train operations, creating significant safety concerns in the region. The attack drew widespread attention due to the repeated targeting of this train by militant groups.
The Jaffar Express has been a frequent target for Baloch militants because it regularly carries Pakistani forces between Quetta, the capital of Balochistan, and Punjab. Earlier in March 2023, the Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA) hijacked the same train. This incident adds to the history of repeated attacks on the route, highlighting ongoing security challenges.
Historically, the train has suffered multiple assaults. In 2016, the BLA attacked the Jaffar Express near Machh, killing six people and injuring 19 in two separate explosions. The recurring attacks underscore the persistent threat posed by militant groups in Balochistan and the vulnerability of transportation routes in the area.
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Militants strike Jaffar Express in Pakistan causing derailment and multiple injuries
