Militants Attack Train in Pakistan: Hundreds of Passengers Taken Hostage
Separatists from the BLA attacked the Jaffar Express train in Balochistan, opened fire, blew up the tracks, and took hundreds of people hostage, threatening mass executions.
Photo: pixabay.com
Armed militants attacked the Jaffar Express passenger train traveling from Quetta to Peshawar on Tuesday, March 12, according to NewsBytes.
The incident took place in the Mushkaf area of Balochistan province, Pakistan. The attackers opened fire on the train and then detonated explosives on the railway tracks, forcing the train to stop.
The Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA) has claimed responsibility for the attack. The group stated that they hijacked the train and are holding all passengers hostage.
According to the militants, six people, including security personnel, have been killed.
The BLA is threatening to execute all hostages if a military operation is launched. They stated that the attack is directed against the Pakistani authorities, whom they accuse of exploiting Balochistan's natural resources.
Local authorities have declared a state of emergency. Security forces and emergency services have been deployed to the scene.
Government spokesperson Shahid Rind stated that all possible measures are being taken to resolve the crisis.
Earlier, it was reported that thousands of Imran Khan supporters stormed Islamabad’s Red Zone during Alexander Lukashenko’s visit, further escalating political tensions in the country.