BLA’s Majeed Brigade: The Militant Group Behind Pakistan’s Deadly Train Hijack

A routine train journey in Pakistan turned into a nightmare on March 11. Armed militants hijacked the Jaffar Express while it traveled between Mashkaf and Dhadar.

Pakistan’s Security Response

Security forces quickly launched an operation to rescue hostages. So far, they have freed over 100 people and killed 16 militants. However, the situation remains tense as efforts continue.

What Happened to the Jaffar Express?

The Jaffar Express carried around 400 passengers, including security personnel. The train was traveling from Quetta to Peshawar, a 30-hour journey with multiple stops. However, around 1 PM local time, terrorists blew up a section of the railway track near Dhadar in Bolan Pass. Consequently, the explosion forced the train to stop. The attackers then killed at least 10 security personnel and took passengers hostage. Despite the chaos, some passengers later managed to escape and reached Panir safely.

Who Carried Out the Attack?

Shortly after the attack, the Baloch Liberation Army (BLA) claimed responsibility. This armed group operates in Balochistan and has long sought independence. Moreover, the BLA released a statement warning they would “execute” hostages if security forces intervened.

The BLA accuses Pakistan of politically and economically marginalizing the Baloch people. Over the years, the group has targeted security officials, government infrastructure, and projects under the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC). Since Pakistan has banned the BLA, some other countries also classify it as a terrorist organization.

The Role of the Majeed Brigade

For this attack, the BLA deployed its Majeed Brigade, also known as its suicide squad. According to the Jamestown Foundation, a U.S. defense think tank, the brigade was named after two brothers—Majeed Langove Senior and Junior. Senior died in a 1974 assassination attempt on then-Prime Minister Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto. Similarly, Junior died in a security forces raid in 2010. As a result, the BLA established the brigade in 2011 to honor them.

The Majeed Brigade carried out its first suicide attack in December 2011, targeting the son of a former Pakistani minister. However, the brigade became widely known in 2018 after attacking a bus carrying Chinese engineers. Since then, it has carried out several attacks, including those on the Chinese Consulate in Karachi, Gwadar’s Pearl Continental Hotel, and the Pakistan Stock Exchange.

How Well-Armed Is the Majeed Brigade?

Experts believe the brigade has access to advanced weapons, including C4 explosives for making suicide vests. Additionally, reports suggest the group obtained American military gear left behind in Afghanistan after U.S. forces withdrew in 2021. The Majeed Brigade has around 100 to 150 members, including women. Notably, in 2022, the group deployed a female suicide bomber in Karachi. She killed three Chinese citizens and a Pakistani driver in front of the Confucius Institute.

In October 2024, the brigade claimed responsibility for another attack. This time, they targeted Chinese engineers and investors leaving Karachi’s Jinnah International Airport.

Pakistan’s Response to the Hijacking

Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif swiftly condemned the attack. He said, “The terrorists’ targeting of innocent passengers during the peaceful and blessed month of Ramzan is a clear reflection that these terrorists have no connection with the religion of Islam, Pakistan, or Balochistan.”

Meanwhile, security forces killed 16 militants and rescued 104 passengers. However, a gunbattle is ongoing, and authorities vow to continue until every passenger is safe. According to reports, the rescued passengers include 58 men, 31 women, and 15 children. Authorities transported them to Mach by another train.

At the same time, the remaining militants took some hostages into the mountains. Security forces have surrounded the tunnel to block their escape. Officials expect to rescue the remaining passengers soon.

Emergency Measures and Rising Tensions

In response to the crisis, Pakistan Railways set up an emergency desk at Peshawar and Quetta stations. As a result, desperate relatives are seeking information about their loved ones.

Meanwhile, the Balochistan government has imposed emergency measures. Authorities also sent a relief train and security reinforcements to the site.

Balochistan has faced increased insurgency, especially after leasing Gwadar port to China. According to a GeoTV report, at least 24 attacks have occurred recently. These attacks have killed 26 people, including 11 security personnel, six civilians, and nine militants.