Militants Hijack Passenger Train in Pakistan, Take Hostages

A passenger train carrying hundreds of travelers has been hijacked by separatist militants in Pakistan’s southwestern province of Balochistan, officials confirmed. The attackers have taken an undisclosed number of passengers hostage, escalating tensions in the region.

Incident Details

The train, identified as the Jaffer Express, was en route from Quetta to Peshawar when it was intercepted by armed militants on Tuesday afternoon. The train was forced to stop as it entered Tunnel No. 8 in Bolan, a mountainous region in Balochistan.

“Armed individuals stopped Jaffer Express inside Tunnel No. 8,” Muhammad Kashif, Quetta Railways’ controller, told CNN. He added that the train, which departed Quetta at 9 a.m. local time, consists of nine coaches and was carrying approximately 450 passengers.

Communication with the train’s passengers and crew has been lost, leaving authorities uncertain about the exact situation on board.

Militant Group Claims Responsibility

The Baloch Liberation Army (BLA), a separatist militant group, has claimed responsibility for the hijacking. In a statement seen by CNN, the BLA declared that the hostages would be executed if security forces attempt a rescue operation.

Balochistan government spokesperson Shahid Rind reported that intense gunfire has been heard from the train. He also noted that the rugged terrain in the Sibi region, where the train is currently located, poses significant challenges for security forces attempting to reach the site.

Government Response and Security Concerns

Emergency response efforts have been launched, with a relief train dispatched to the scene. Security forces are mobilizing to secure the area, according to Rind.

Authorities are treating the hijacking as a potential terrorist attack and are currently investigating the incident.

Prior Warnings and Background on Balochistan Unrest

Just days before the attack, Balochistan’s Counter-Terrorism Department (CTD) had issued a threat alert in a letter seen by CNN. The alert warned of a planned attack by the BLA and urged authorities to take extraordinary precautions.

Balochistan has been the center of a long-running insurgency, which has intensified in recent years. The conflict escalated following the leasing of Gwadar port to China under the Belt and Road Initiative. The BLA and other militant groups accuse the government of exploiting Balochistan’s rich mineral resources while neglecting the local population.

The Gwadar port, often dubbed “the next Dubai,” has become a security hotspot, with frequent bombings targeting Chinese workers. Many attacks have resulted in casualties, adding to Pakistan’s security concerns.