FACT CHECK: Viral Video of Baloch Rebels Attacking Jaffar Express—Real or Misleading? Here's The Truth

Islamabad: Amid the hijacking of the Jaffar Express by the Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA), a video has been circulating on social media, claiming to capture the exact moment BLA fighters opened fire on the train. However, when Republic World conducted a fact check, it was revealed that the footage is not recent.  

Upon verification, it was found that the viral clip is actually from 2022 and is unrelated to the ongoing Pakistan train hijack. The misleading video has been shared widely with false claims, adding to the spread of misinformation. Readers are advised to verify sources before sharing unconfirmed content.

CLAIM: Video Shows Balochistan Liberation Army Opening Fire on Jaffar Express

FACT: Footage is from a 2022 BLA attack, not the recent incident.

Pakistan Train Hijack | What We Know 

While official data on casualties was not available (at the time of filing the article), reports claimed that at least 30 military personnel were killed in the attack.  

Controller Railways Muhammad Kashif said that the train, comprising nine coaches, had around 500 passengers on board.

“The train was stopped by armed men in Tunnel No 8,” the controller said. There are 17 tunnels in this area on the railway line and due to the difficult terrain, the speed of the train is often slow.

BLA Claims Responsibility

In a statement, the Baloch Liberation Army (BLA) took responsibility for the hostage crisis and stated that they had seized hostages from the train, including members of the security forces.

“The Baloch Liberation Army has carried out a meticulously planned operation in Mashkaf, Dhadar, Bolan, where our freedom fighters have blown up the railway track, forcing the Jaffar Express to come to a halt. The fighters swiftly took control of the train, holding all passengers hostage,” it said.

In the past, Baloch militants have targeted railway tracks in this region using rockets or remote-controlled bombs, with the BLA claiming responsibility for most of the attacks.

In October of last year, Pakistan Railways announced the resumption of train services between Quetta and Peshawar after being suspended for over a month and a half.

Balochistan has seen an increase in terrorist attacks over the past year. In November 2024, at least 26 people were killed and 62 injured when a suicide bombing struck Quetta Railway Station.

Balochistan, which borders Iran and Afghanistan, is the site of a long-standing violent insurgency. Baloch insurgent groups often carry out attacks targeting security forces, government projects, and the USD 60 billion China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) initiatives in the province, which is rich in oil and minerals.