Armed militants have reportedly seized control of a train carrying approximately 450 passengers in Pakistan’s restive southwestern Balochistan province.
Officials confirmed the incident, which has raised serious security concerns in the region.
According to Muhammad Kashif, a senior railway official based in Quetta, gunmen intercepted the Jaffar Express, a passenger train traveling from Quetta to Peshawar. The train came under fire as it passed through a volatile section of Balochistan, forcing it to stop.
The Baloch Liberation Army (BLA), a separatist militant group, has claimed responsibility for the attack. In a statement, the group announced that it had taken hostages from the train, primarily targeting what it described as “serving personnel of the occupying forces.” The BLA also stated that women, children, and Baloch passengers were released, while the remaining captives were retained for what they called a “military operation.”
The militant group has issued a warning, threatening to execute the hostages if Pakistani authorities attempt any rescue operation or military intervention. This has heightened tensions in the province, which has long been a hotspot for insurgency and separatist activities.
Despite the BLA’s claims, officials from the provincial government and railway authorities have not officially confirmed whether passengers are being held hostage. Authorities are reportedly assessing the situation and considering their next steps in dealing with the crisis.
The attack underscores the ongoing instability in Balochistan, a province frequently affected by insurgent violence, ethnic tensions, and clashes between separatist groups and security forces. Security agencies are on high alert as they work to verify the militants’ claims and strategize a response to ensure the safety of the passengers.
Further developments are expected as officials continue their investigations.
