Shocking video emerges of train attack in Pakistan's Balochistan; See how BLA hijacked Jaffer express | VIDEO

In a stunning surprise, alleged Baloch militants carried out an assault on the Jaffer Express train in Pakistan's volatile Balochistan province on Tuesday, March 10. Just hours following the attack, Balochistan-friendly organizations circulated a video over the internet, purportedly featuring the attack and seizure of the train. Amidst claims it is the first video of the blast circulating, official verification by the Pakistani authorities or Baloch rebels is pending.

Leaked video depicts crippling attack

The viral video, according to media sources, depicts a train moving through a mountainous area presumed to be Balochistan. A few moments later, an explosion occurs, and black thick smoke billows out from the front carriages. Armed men, assumed to be Baloch fighters, appear alongside the stuck train, possibly taking people hostage. The eerie footage spares no details in depicting the severity of the attack, and its ripple effect causes shock waves throughout the nation.

The attack: What occurred?

The Jaffer Express, which had around 500 passengers on board in nine coaches, was traveling from Quetta to Peshawar in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa when it was attacked with heavy gunfire between Gudalar and Piru Koneri. The indiscriminate attack injured a number of passengers, and many were held hostage. Security officials later confirmed that a counter-operation killed 27 terrorists, while 150 passengers were rescued safely. Rescue efforts for the remaining hostages are underway.

Balochistan liberation army's daunting threat

The Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA), a Pakistan, UK, and US-banned militant group, has owned the attack. The outfit claimed to have hijacked the train and killed several security officials, as well as detained more than 100 people, including troops. Making a stern threat, the BLA announced that if the Pakistani military embarks on an operation, "all hostages will be executed." The incident has raised grave concerns regarding security in the area and the growing insurgency in Balochistan.