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Pakistan Train Hijack LIVE: In a major escalation of separatist conflict in Pakistan, separatist militants in Balochistan province attacked a Peshawar-bound train on Tuesday, taking nearly 450 passengers hostage, including women and children.
In a statement, the Baloch Liberation Army (BLA), a militant separatist group responsible for several deadly attacks, claimed responsibility for the hostage crisis and said they had taken hostages from the train, including security forces. Six military personnel were killed in the attack, they said.
“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.
A train driver was allegedly injured in the firing on Tuesday, according to police and railway officials. Teh train was on its way to Peshawar from Quetta when it was fired upon. Rescue teams and security forces have reached the scene, and an operation is underway to track down the militants.
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Pakistan Train Hijack Live Updates: Train Stuck Before A Tunnel, Says Police Official
A senior police official from the area bordering Sibi, who chose to remain anonymous, told AFP that the “train remains stuck just before a tunnel surrounded by mountains”. The mountainous region makes it easier for militants to plan attacks.
Pakistan Train Hijack Live Updates: How Was The Train Hijacked?
The BLA assailants first blew up the track and later opened fire on the Jaffar Express train carrying over 400 passengers to Peshawar. Security officials on the train and attackers exchanged heavy firing following the attack, sources told Geo News.
Pakistan Train Hijack Live Updates: What Is Baloch Liberation Army?
The BLA, responsible for several terrorist attacks in Balochistan, is a separatist group fighting for increased autonomy and the recognition of Baloch people’s rights. It argues that the Baloch people are being marginalised and exploited by the central government, particularly due to the region’s abundant natural resources.
Pakistan Train Hijack Live Updates: No Contact With Passengers, Staff, Say Railway Officials
Railway officials said they have been unable to establish any contact with 450 passengers and staff after the Baloch Liberation Army (BLA) militants hijacked the Quetta-Peshawar Jaffar Express train on Tuesday.
Pakistan Train Hijack Live Updates: Rescue Officials Reach Site Of Attack
According to the Balochistan government, ambulances and security forces have reached the site of the incident and are attempting to track down the militants. The railways department has sent more trains to the site for rescue efforts.
The train driver sustained serious injuries in the attack. An emergency relief team has been dispatched to assist the train driver, according to The Express Tribune.
Pakistan Train Hijack Live Updates: What Did The Baloch Liberation Army Say?
Taking responsibility for the attack, the Baloch Liberation Army (BLA) said it fired upon the Jaffar Express train en route to Peshawar, killing six security personnel and taking hundreds of passengers hostage.
“This operation is being conducted jointly by the Majeed Brigade, STOS, and Fateh Squad —specialized units of the BLA. Any military incursion will be met with an equally forceful response,” it said in a statement, warning that it will execute passengers if a military operation is conducted.
Pakistan Train Hijack Live Updates: How Many Passengers Were In The Train?
While some reports suggest that there were 400 passengers in the train, Controller Railways Muhammad Kashif told Dawn that the train, comprising nine coaches, had 500 passengers on board. The train was stopped by the armed militants in Tunnel No 8 en route to Peshawar, he said.
Pakistan Train Hijack Live Updates: Peshawar-Bound Train Hijacked By Militants
The separatist group, Baloch Liberation Army (BLA) fired upon a train on its way from Quetta to Peshawar in the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, killing security personnel and holding hundreds of passengers hostage.
