Baloch rebels hijack train in Pakistan carrying over 500 passengers, 6 soldiers killed

The Baloch Liberation Army (BLA) in Pakistan reportedly hijacked a passenger train on Tuesday. BLA claimed to have attacked and captured the Jaffar Express, which was en route from Quetta to Peshawar. 

According to a report by Pakistani newspaper The Dawn, Balochistan government spokesperson Shahid Rind said that there were incidents of heavy gunfire between Pehro Kunri and Gadlar, resulting in the deaths of six soldiers.

Rind mentioned that emergency orders were issued in the area following the incident. The train, which comprised nine coaches and was carrying about 500 passengers, was halted by armed persons in Tunnel No. 8. The government is currently attempting to establish contact with the passengers, although officials are encountering difficulty in reaching the location due to the rocky terrain.

Emergency declared in govt hospitals 

In response to the situation, an emergency has been declared in government hospitals in Quetta, with all medical personnel—including doctors, specialists, consultants, and nurses—requested to report to the hospitals.

The BLA released a statement claiming responsibility for the operation, stating that their fighters executed a planned attack in Mashkaf, Dhadar, and Bolan. They alleged that the railway track was blown up, forcing the Jaffar Express to stop, after which their fighters took control of the train and held the passengers hostage.

The group indicated that among the hostages are agents of the Pakistani Army, Police, Anti-Terrorism Force (ATF), and Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI), who were reportedly traveling to Punjab. They warned that any military intervention would result in the killing of all hostages. BLA said only women, children, and Baloch passengers were released, while members of the Pakistani security forces were kept hostage.

The operation is said to be led by the BLA's Fidayeen Unit and Majeed Brigade, with support from the Fateh Squad, STOS, and Jirab Intelligence Wing. The BLA emphasized that the responsibility for any resulting violence would fall on the Pakistani Army should military action be taken against them.