Islamabad, Pakistan – Separatist fighters attacked a train in Pakistan’s Balochistan province and took hundreds of passengers hostage. Railway officials confirmed that the Jaffar Express, carrying more than 400 passengers, was ambushed on Tuesday. The train was traveling from Quetta to Peshawar when armed militants intercepted it and Balochistan Liberation Army Claims Attack on Train.
Provincial spokesperson Shahid Rind stated that authorities declared an emergency at a major hospital in Sibi, 160km (100 miles) southeast of Quetta. The announcement followed reports of heavy gunfire at the scene.
The Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA) claimed responsibility for the attack and reported that six military personnel had been killed. The group stated that security personnel were among the hostages. They warned of retaliation if forces attempted a rescue operation.
Pakistan’s military has not issued an official statement regarding the attack.
Ongoing Conflict in Balochistan
The Quetta-to-Peshawar railway spans 1,600km (994 miles) and takes over 30 hours, stopping more than 30 times. The train service had resumed in October after a two-month suspension caused by a previous BLA attack on railway infrastructure.
Balochistan, rich in minerals and natural resources, has long been a battleground between the government and Baloch separatists seeking independence. Over the years, attacks have also targeted Chinese nationals and infrastructure linked to the $62 billion China-Pakistan Economic Corridor. Despite repeated military operations, the BLA and other groups continue their attacks.
Balochistan Liberation Army Growing Strength
A security report from the Pak Institute of Peace Studies (PIPS) in January described the situation in Balochistan as “alarming.” The province saw more than 150 attacks last year, a 119% increase from the previous year.
In February, at least 18 soldiers died in a BLA attack in Kalat, Balochistan. Security analyst Muhammad Shoaib noted that the group had not only increased its attacks but also improved its capabilities.
“The BLA has strengthened in recent years. It has refined its propaganda, recruitment, intelligence gathering, and adaptability,” Shoaib told Al Jazeera. He emphasized that the group effectively uses social media to spread its message and attract educated recruits.
“The BLA has mastered staying in the news and keeping security forces engaged on multiple fronts,” Shoaib added. He noted that their recruitment appears to be increasing, allowing them to allocate more personnel and resources to their operations.
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