Who is the group behind the deadly train hijacking in Pakistan?

(CLO) Security forces in Pakistan's southwestern province of Balochistan have just ended an operation against the Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA), the group that hijacked the Jaffar Express train on Tuesday.

All 33 BLA gunmen involved in the attack were killed, and 346 passengers were successfully rescued, according to authorities. The incident left at least 27 civilians dead, including the train driver and a paramilitary soldier.

In recent years, the BLA has significantly expanded the scale and sophistication of its operations, carrying out more than 150 attacks last year alone, culminating in the recent train hijacking.

But what is the BLA, when was it founded, who are its leaders, what are its demands, and how has it been able to fight the state for so many years?

Baloch Liberation Army (BLA) militants. Photo: X

What is BLA and how does it work?

BLA is a separatist armed organization operating primarily in Balochistan, a resource-rich province that is said to be neglected and exploited by the Pakistani government without benefiting the local population.

The group regularly carries out attacks on government forces and foreign interests, especially projects funded by China. In 2024 alone, the BLA carried out more than 150 attacks, including bombings, ambushes, and suicide attacks.

Balochistan province has seen at least five separatist insurgencies since Pakistan's creation in 1947. With growing resentment towards the government, the BLA emerged in the late 1990s and early 2000s.

The BLA was originally led by Balach Marri, the son of Baloch nationalist leader Nawab Khair Bakhsh Marri. After Balach Marri was killed in 2007, the Pakistani government banned the BLA. But far from weakening, the group has expanded its operations, shifting to more sophisticated attack tactics and expanding its network of fighters.

BLA's Notable Leaders

Bashir Zaib Baloch is currently believed to be the group’s top leader. Under his leadership, the BLA has stepped up its activities, particularly targeting the Pakistani military and projects under the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC).

In addition, Hammal Rehan is an important figure, overseeing the Majeed Brigade - a special unit specializing in carrying out suicide bombings. It is noteworthy that the BLA is increasingly attracting young, well-educated fighters, including women.

In 2022, a woman named Shari Baloch carried out a suicide bombing targeting a bus carrying Chinese teachers in Karachi, causing public outrage.

Funding and future risks

Security experts say the BLA is funded by a variety of sources, including smuggling, drug trafficking, and extortion from businesses operating in the region. The Baloch diaspora is also believed to be contributing financially to the movement.

Despite the Pakistani government’s crackdown, the BLA continues to expand its size and reach. Analysts say the group’s growing support among Baloch youth shows that the separatist movement remains strong.

If the Pakistani government fails to address the grievances of the Balochistan people regarding their economic and political rights, BLA attacks will continue to escalate, posing a risk of long-term instability in the region.

Ngoc Anh (according to AJ, Reuters, DW)

Source: https://www.congluan.vn/bla--nhom-dung-sau-vu-cuop-tau-hoa-tao-ton-o-pakistan-la-ai-post338295.html