Baloch Liberation Army (BLA) released a 30-minute video that showed the hijacking of the Jaffar Express in March this year. The video, shared by the group's media wing, Hakkal, is  named "Operation Darra-e-Bolan 2.0." It was an armed assault that stopped a train with about 450 passengers in Bolan in southwest Balochistan. The footage consists of visuals of militants blowing up a remote railway line, breaking into the train, and fighting fierce battles with Pakistani security personnel. The footage also features training exercises, pre-operational planning sessions, and militant briefings, highlighting their preparation to carry out the hijacking. BLA's Majid Brigade, Fateh Squad, and Special Tactical Operations Squad members were observed carrying out what they had termed a "pre-planned and coordinated attack" against military personnel on board.

‘Last Resort’ Amid ‘Genocide’

The BLA justified the hijack and said it was a necessary step to cease genocide. “Our war has come to a point where we are forced to make difficult decisions,” one militant is heard saying in the video. “A gun is needed to halt the gun… If a son is ready to die for the cause, so is the father,” a militant said, asserting that Pakistan's supposed atrocities in Balochistan left them with no peaceful means. The group has long blamed the Pakistani army for extrajudicial executions and plundering of the natural resources of Balochistan. In this new video, the BLA repeated its call for external intervention, blaming internal human rights organizations for "silence" on the alleged Baloch genocide. “This is not an act of terrorism. This is the only option we have after all peaceful attempts were crushed. We have shown that we can hit them even in their strongholds,” another militant added.

Though the Pakistani officials claim to have released more than 340 passengers in a two-day operation, official reports indicate that 28 troops were killed, of whom 27 were off-duty. At least 21 hostages lost their lives during the attack, according to reports. But the BLA refuted these figures. In the video, the organization took responsibility for killing 50 soldiers and executing 214 hostages, following what they termed as a failed negotiation for a 48-hour deadline for prisoner exchange. The organization also produced names and photographs of its martyred fighters, promising to pursue the armed struggle "until complete victory."

Also read: Balochistan Bomb Blast: 4 Killed, 20 Injured In Massive Explosion In Killa Abdullah

Attack Sparks Embarrassment For Islamabad

The March 11 attack on the Jaffar Express has been a huge setback for Pakistan's internal security reputation. coming as it did soon after Baloch separatist leader Mir Yar Baloch announced independence from Pakistan and invited India to accept a Baloch embassy in New Delhi. Reaching back, the government of Pakistan initiated a massive outrage throughout Balochistan, cutting internet and electricity in many districts and launching large-scale military operations. This operation comes days after prominent activist Mir Yar Baloch declared Balochistan’s independence from Pakistan, requesting India to host an official Baloch embassy in New Delhi. The militants also attacked the international human rights organisations for remaining silent on what they referred to as the "Baloch genocide."

Also read: 'Quetta Se Bahar Nikal Ke Dikhao…’: Baloch Activist's Bold Challenge, Claims 80% Of Balochistan Has 'No Entry' For Pakistani Military