A passenger train in Pakistan's restive Balochistan province was "hijacked" on Tuesday, with gunmen firing on it and seizing control. At least six Pakistani military personnel were killed in the attack, and over 100 passengers were held hostage, NDTV reported, citing a statement issued by the Baloch Liberation Army.
The attacked train was identified as Jaffar Express, which was reportedly carrying around 400 passengers in nine bogies. It was enroute from Quetta in Balochistan to Peshawar in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
The train came under fire "between Pehro Kunri and Gadalar”, reports said, citing Balochistan government spokesperson Shahid Rind.
According to BLA, the hostages held by it include active duty personnel. However, there was no independent confirmation of their claim.
The Balochistan provincial government said it has enforced "emergency measures" to address the situation.
In the past, the railway tracks in this area have been attacked by Baloch militants by using rockets or remote-controlled bombs and the BLA claimed responsibility for most of the attacks.
In October last year, Pakistan Railways announced the restoration of train services between Quetta and Peshawar after a suspension of more than a month and a half.
Balochistan has witnessed an uptick in terrorist attacks over the past year. In November 2024, at least 26 people were killed and 62 injured after a suicide blast ripped through a Quetta Railway Station.
Balochistan, bordering Iran and Afghanistan, is home to a long-running violent insurgency. Baloch insurgent groups frequently carry out attacks targeting security personnel, government projects and the USD 60 billion China-Pakistan Economic Corridor projects in the oil and mineral-rich province.
(With PTI inputs)
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