BLA claims responsibility for assault
The Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA), a separatist militant group, has claimed responsibility for the attack. In its statement, the group alleged that six military personnel were killed during the incident.Read more: Pakistan train hijack LIVE updates: Militants hijack passenger train, take hostages in restive Balochistan
Additionally, reports suggest that several passengers were held hostage before security forces intervened.
“There are reports of intense firing at a Jaffar Express (train) going from Quetta to Peshawar,” said Shahid Rind, spokesperson for the Balochistan government, quoted by Pakistani daily Dawn.
Security response and investigation
Local security forces and emergency responders were dispatched to the site immediately after the attack. According to The Express Tribune newspaper, at least six armed assailants were involved in the assault near the Ab-e-Gum area of Mach Town in Balochistan’s Kachhi district.
Read more: Pakistan train hijack: Balochistan militants attack Peshawar-bound train, 6 killed and hundreds taken hostages
Railway officials confirmed that the train’s driver suffered serious injuries, and an emergency relief train was sent to assist passengers.
Controller of Pakistan Railways Muhammad Kashif stated, “The train was stopped by armed men in Tunnel 8,” as quoted by the newspaper Express Tribune.
He further noted that the Jaffar Express, consisting of nine coaches, had approximately 500 passengers on board at the time of the attack.
Read more: US advises citizens against travelling close to India-Pak border, Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa
Balochistan and the rising security concerns
The attack is the latest in a series of violent incidents in Balochistan, a region plagued by ongoing insurgency and militant activities. The provincial government has imposed an emergency at Sibi hospital to handle casualties and directed authorities to take urgent measures.
Balochistan is Pakistan’s largest yet sparsely populated province. It has been a hotspot for separatist movements and insurgent attacks. The BLA have frequently targeted security forces, government initiatives, and infrastructure projects, including those under the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), reported PTI.
In November 2024, a suicide bombing at Quetta Railway Station killed 26 people and injured 62 others. Tuesday’s attack underscores the persistent security challenges in the province, with officials warning of potential escalations in response to military action.
Read more: Explained: Why Baloch militants are targeting Chinese nationals and projects
As per reports, the authorities are continuing their investigation into the incident, with efforts underway to ensure the safety of passengers and railway personnel in the region.
BLA warns execution of hostages
The Balochistan Liberation Army has warned of execution of all the hostages if the Pakistan government does not cease its military actions.
Jeeyand Baloch, the spokesperson for the BLA, said in a statement that they have completely repelled the Pakistani military’s ground assault after the hijack of the Jaffar Express. However, the attacks from helicopters and drones have continued.
“The BLA issues a final warning: if the aerial bombardment is not halted immediately, all the 100+ hostages will be executed within the next hour… Any further military incursion will have catastrophic consequences,” the BLA statement read.
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With inputs from agencies
