Hijackers seize train in Pakistan, hold over 100 passengers hostage in Balochistan

In a shocking attack on a passenger train in Pakistan, more than 100 people have been taken hostage by armed separatists. 

The incident unfolded on Tuesday in Balochistan province when gunmen opened fire on the train, forcing it to stop and then hijacking it. 

The attackers, identified as members of the Baloch Liberation Army (BLA), claim they killed six people in the assault.

The train, which was traveling from Quetta to Peshawar, was struck by gunfire after it passed between the towns of Pehro Kunri and Gadallor. 

According to Pakistani news outlet Dawn, the militants blew up the tracks, forcing the Zafar Express to come to a halt. 

The attackers then swiftly took control of the train, holding both passengers and security personnel hostage.

The BLA, a separatist group seeking independence for Balochistan, took responsibility for the attack. 

In a statement, the group confirmed that their fighters had launched the assault, adding that they killed six Pakistani soldiers. 

“Our fighters blew up the railway track, which forced the Zafar Express to stop. The fighters quickly seized control of the train and took all the passengers hostage,” the BLA said.

The group also issued a stern warning to the Pakistani government. 

“If the occupying forces attempt any military operations, the results will be catastrophic. Hundreds of hostages will face death sentences, and the occupying forces will be held entirely responsible for this bloodshed,” the statement read.

The train was carrying nearly 500 passengers in nine carriages. According to local authorities, the militants fired at the train, which led to the hijacking. 

The train driver was reportedly forced to stop after the attack began.

The provincial government of Balochistan has responded swiftly, sending police and paramilitary forces to the area. 

Authorities have launched a search operation in hopes of locating the attackers and rescuing the hostages.

This attack highlights the ongoing tensions in the region, where separatist groups like the BLA have long demanded greater autonomy and independence from Pakistan. 

The hostage situation continues to unfold, with the fate of the passengers still uncertain.