A passenger train travelling through Pakistan’s restive Balochistan province was hijacked on Tuesday by separatist insurgents belonging to the Baloch Liberation Army (BLA).
The militants, who launched a deadly assault on the Jaffar Express, claimed to have taken 214 hostages and killed at least 30 security personnel.
A counter-operation by Pakistani forces has led to the rescue of 104 passengers, while at least 16 insurgents have been killed, according to reports.
The Peshawar-bound train, carrying approximately 500 passengers, came under attack after departing from Quetta, the provincial capital of Balochistan.
The train was stopped near Tunnel No. 8, where militants derailed it following an intense exchange of gunfire.
The separatist group has issued a 48-hour ultimatum, demanding the "immediate and unconditional release of Baloch political prisoners, forcibly disappeared persons, and national resistance activists."
A government spokesperson, confirmed that 104 passengers had been rescued.
However, railway officials stated that contact with the remaining 450 passengers and crew aboard the nine-coach train had not yet been established.
Also read: Baloch insurgents hijack Pakistan train, take hostages
The BLA warned that any military intervention would result in the execution of all hostages. In a statement, the group asserted: "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."
Initial reports indicate that women, children, and ethnic Baloch passengers have been released, while the remaining hostages are said to be Pakistani military personnel and members of security agencies, including the Anti-Terrorism Force (ATF) and the Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI).
Pakistan’s interior minister, Mohsin Naqvi, strongly condemned the attack, stating that the government would not negotiate with "beasts who fire on innocent passengers."
The attack took place on the rail route between Sibi and Aab-e-Gum.
Security forces have launched a large-scale counter-operation, which includes aerial bombardment and ground offensives.
However, the BLA claimed that its units, including the Majeed Brigade, Special Tactical Operations Squad (STOS), and Fateh Squad, had successfully repelled the army’s ground assault.
"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 militant group claimed.
Ambulances and relief teams have been dispatched to the scene, though access to the mountainous region remains a challenge.
A relief train carrying reinforcements, soldiers, and medical personnel has also been sent to the site, according to official sources.
Escalation in Baloch insurgency
The attack follows a recent announcement by various Baloch resistance factions of an intensified offensive against Pakistan and China under a unified militant front named the Baloch National Army.
Balochistan, which shares borders with Iran and Afghanistan, has long been a flashpoint for separatist violence, with insurgents seeking independence for the oil- and mineral-rich province.
Ethnic Baloch groups allege systemic discrimination and economic exploitation at the hands of the Pakistani state.
The provincial government has declared a state of emergency, and security institutions have been mobilised to address the crisis.
The situation remains tense as security forces continue their operation, with concerns mounting over the fate of the remaining hostages.
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