A passenger train carrying around 500 people was hijacked by insurgents in Pakistan’s Balochistan province on Tuesday. The Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA) claimed responsibility for the attack, stating that it had taken 182 hostages and killed 11 Pakistani military personnel. The separatist group warned of executing all hostages if security forces did not withdraw.
Government officials confirmed that the Peshawar-bound Jaffar Express was attacked after departing from Quetta.
Attempts are ongoing to establish contact with those on board. Militants claimed to have derailed the train following a fierce shoot-out at a remote location. Authorities have not yet verified the number of casualties or the condition of the hostages.
Pakistani security forces have reached the site, launching a counter-operation involving aerial bombing. However, the militants stated they had repelled the army’s ground offensive.
“Baloch Liberation Army commanders have completely repulsed the ground operation of the occupying army after capturing the Jaffar Express. After fierce clashes, Pakistani ground troops were forced to retreat. However, the bombing by Pakistani helicopters and drones is still ongoing,” the group said.
Railway officials reported no contact with the 450 passengers and staff aboard the nine-coach train. Initial reports indicated multiple injuries among travellers. The Pakistan Army has dispatched a relief train carrying reinforcements, soldiers, and doctors to the site. Ambulances were also sent, though the mountainous and rugged terrain has complicated access.
According to a news agency, the attack occurred in Tunnel No 8 during the train’s journey from Quetta to Peshawar. The BLA stated that the hostages included Pakistani military personnel and members of other security agencies.
“Amongst the hostages are active-duty personnel from the Pakistani military, police, Anti-Terrorism Force (ATF), and Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI)–all of whom were travelling to Punjab on leave,” the group claimed.
The BLA warned, “if the occupying forces attempt any military operation, the consequences will be severe. All hundreds of hostages will be executed, and the responsibility for this bloodshed will lie solely with the occupying forces.”
The militants stated they had released women, children, and Baloch passengers, ensuring that remaining hostages were serving members of the Pakistani forces. The attack was led by the Majeed Brigade of the BLA, along with the Special Tactical Operations Squad (STOS) and Fateh Squad.
The provincial government has enacted emergency measures, mobilising all institutions to address the crisis, government spokesperson Shahid Rind confirmed.
This incident follows recent declarations by various Baloch resistance groups advocating for Balochistan’s independence from Pakistan. These groups announced an intensified offensive against Pakistan and China, forming a unified outfit named the Baloch National Army.
Balochistan, which borders Iran and Afghanistan, has faced a prolonged insurgency and numerous terrorist attacks. The region’s insurgent groups seek independence, citing discrimination and exploitation by the Pakistani government.
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