Over 150 passengers rescued as Pakistani forces battle militants hijacking Jaffar Express
Baloch Liberation Army claims responsibility; 27 militants killed in ongoing operation
Islamabad: Pakistani security forces have rescued at least 155 passengers and killed 27 militants following the hijacking of the Jaffar Express in Balochistan. The Baloch Liberation Army (BLA), a separatist militant group, has claimed responsibility for the attack and continues to hold several hostages.
The train, carrying 425 passengers, was en route from Quetta to Peshawar when militants ambushed it near the Mashkaf tunnel on Tuesday. The attackers blew up the railway track, forcing the train to a halt before seizing control of multiple compartments.
Security operations continued into Wednesday, with additional forces and helicopters deployed. A senior police official, Rana Dilawar, confirmed that the train remains stationary as armed militants hold passengers hostage. The BLA has claimed it is holding 214 hostages and has killed 30 security personnel, though Pakistani authorities have yet to confirm these figures.
The militant group has demanded the release of political prisoners and missing persons, threatening to execute hostages, including Army personnel, if their demands are not met within 48 hours.
In response, authorities have imposed emergency measures at hospitals in Sibi and Quetta, where injured passengers are being treated. Emergency desks have also been set up at railway stations in Peshawar and Quetta for relatives seeking information.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and President Asif Ali Zardari have condemned the attack, vowing strict action against those responsible. Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi stated that "those who fire on innocent passengers do not deserve any concessions."
Balochistan has witnessed a surge in militant attacks over the past year. In November 2024, a suicide blast at Quetta Railway Station claimed 26 lives and injured 62 people.
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Mangaluru airport issues advisory to passengers, heightens security measures
Mangaluru: In response to recent cross-border attacks by Pakistan and rising tensions along the international boundary, the Bureau of Civil Aviation Security has directed airports across India to enhance security protocols. As part of this nationwide alert, Mangaluru International Airport has intensified surveillance, and introduced secondary ladder point checks (LPSC).
Explaining about the new protocol, Jaideep Shenoy, Public Relations Officer at Mangaluru International Airport, said that the secondary ladder point security check involves a second round of frisking. Passengers will first undergo standard checks by the CISF at the security checkpoint. Before boarding the aircraft, either via a boarding bridge or a bus, they will be subjected to an additional frisking by airline staff at the gate. Shenoy emphasized that the LPSC is a standard security measure implemented at all airports.
He also urged travelers to stay updated by checking the airport’s official social media channels for accurate and timely information.
In light of circulating reports regarding restrictions on visitor entry, Shenoy clarified that the entry of visitors into the terminal has always been restricted. Visitors may accompany passengers up to the departure gates or receive them at the arrival gates, as per existing rules.
In an advisory issued on Friday, Mangaluru International Airport urged passengers to arrive well in advance of their scheduled departures to accommodate extended security checks, and to cooperate with airport and security personnel.
The airport authorities also urged people not to share any unverified information.
#MangaluruAirport is fully operational, with your safety and comfort as our top priority. Stay informed and plan ahead to ensure a smooth journey.
— Mangaluru Airport (@mlrairport) May 9, 2025
Here’s everything you need to know before you fly, from security guidelines to handy dos and don’ts.
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