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A group of armed militants from the Baloch Liberation Army (BLA) has hijacked a passenger train in southwestern Pakistan, taking over 450 passengers hostage. The attackers have warned of severe retaliation if authorities attempt a rescue operation, according to reports from AFP and Reuters.
The Attack on Jaffar Express
The incident occurred when the Jaffar Express, en route from Quetta in Balochistan to Peshawar in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, was ambushed by insurgents. The attackers opened fire, injuring the train driver and engaging in a gunfight with onboard security personnel.
Muhammad Kashif, a senior railway official in Quetta, confirmed that the train, consisting of nine bogies, was stopped in Tunnel No. 8 by armed men. He added that efforts were being made to establish contact with passengers and railway staff.
Government's Response and Security Measures
Pakistan’s Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi strongly condemned the attack, stating that the government would not bow to terrorists who target innocent civilians, including women and children. Security forces have been deployed to the area, and an investigation is underway to assess the situation and plan a possible rescue operation.
Balochistan's Ongoing Insurgency
Balochistan, a province rich in natural resources, has been a hotspot for insurgent activities for decades. The BLA, one of the most prominent separatist groups, has long demanded independence or greater autonomy, accusing the government of exploiting the region’s gas and mineral resources without fair distribution of benefits.
This latest attack highlights the ongoing security challenges in the region, raising concerns about increasing militant activity and the safety of civilians traveling through conflict-prone areas.
