Rebels in Pakistan’s Balochistan province launched a major attack on a Peshawar-bound train on Tuesday, taking nearly 450 passengers hostage, including women and children, amid escalating separatist conflict in the region.
The militants later freed civilian hostages, mostly women and children, but detained 214 individuals, including military personnel.
The Baloch Liberation Army (BLA), a separatist militant group known for carrying out deadly attacks, claimed responsibility for the assault and confirmed it had captured several security personnel from the train.
Pak Military Casualties
In a statement, the group claimed over 30 military personnel were killed during the operation.
“In the clashes that continued for several hours, more than 30 enemy [Pakistani] soldiers have been eliminated so far, with many others wounded while the occupying forces [Pakistani soldiers] have suffered heavy losses,” the statement read.
According to the BLA, its fighters ambushed the Jaffar Express in Mashkaf, Dhadar, Bolan, forcing it to halt after blowing up the railway tracks.
“Our fighters swiftly seized control of the train and held all passengers hostage,” the group stated, adding that the offensive was part of their ongoing struggle for Balochistan’s independence.
Local police and railway officials reported that the train’s driver was injured in the gunfire.
Rescue Team Deployed
The train was en route from Quetta to Peshawar when the attack occurred. Security forces and rescue teams were deployed to the site, launching an operation to apprehend the militants and rescue the captives.
However, the BLA claimed it had successfully repelled a ground offensive by the Pakistani military, forcing troops to withdraw.
The group further stated that hundreds of security personnel remained in their custody.
“The 214 Pakistani personnel, including military, paramilitary, police and intelligence officers, are being held under full security and in accordance with the rules of war by the BLA,” the group said in the statement.
The situation remains tense, with Pakistani authorities intensifying efforts to recover the remaining captives and secure the train route.
48-Hour Deadline
The BLA rebels have also given the Pakistani authorities a 48-hour “ultimatum” for the immediate and unconditional release of “Baloch political prisoners, forcibly disappeared persons and national resistance activists.”
The militants warned of severe consequences, including the execution of all hostages, if military airstrikes continued in the region.
“If our demands are not met within the stipulated period or if the occupying state [Pakistan] attempts any military action during this time, all prisoners [hostages] will be neutralised and the train will be completely destroyed,” BLA rebels threatened.
“The Pakistani army will bear full responsibility for the consequence. This announcement is final and irrevocable.”
