Militants from the Baloch Liberation Army (BLA) stormed a passenger train in southwestern Pakistan, holding hundreds of people hostage. BLA’s train attack occurred in Balochistan’s remote Sibi district as the Jaffar Express traveled from Quetta to Peshawar.
Officials reported that the separatist group first bombed the railway track before stopping the train near a tunnel. Local authorities confirmed that 400 and 450 passengers were aboard the nine-carriage train when the attack occurred.
Balochistan government spokesperson Shahid Rind stated that an emergency had been declared at a major hospital in Sibi. Security forces responded swiftly, deploying personnel to the mountainous region where the train remained stranded.
Pakistani police reported injuries to at least three individuals, including the train’s driver, but did not confirm reports of hostages. The BLA, however, claimed responsibility for the Balochistan train attack, stating that security officers were among those detained.
The group warned of severe consequences if the military attempted a rescue operation. The attack highlights the growing strength of separatist groups in Balochistan, where insurgents have long demanded independence from Pakistan.
Experts note that the BLA has expanded its operations in recent years, increasing the frequency and intensity of its attacks. Security analyst Muhammad Shoaib explained that the group had improved its recruitment intelligence and propaganda strategies.
Pakistan’s military has conducted multiple operations to curb insurgent activity, but the violence persists. Last month, a BLA ambush in Kalat City killed 18 soldiers, adding to the province’s worsening security crisis.
The insurgency has also targeted Chinese projects under the $62 billion China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC). Interior Minister Mohsin Nawaz condemned the latest BLA’s train attack, promising swift action against the perpetrators.
However, the authorities cannot contact those aboard as the area lacks internet and mobile coverage. The standoff continues with security forces preparing a response to free the stranded passengers.
