Militants Attack Train in Pakistan Taking Hostages

Separatist militants attacked a Peshawar-bound train in Pakistan’s Balochistan province on Tuesday (11 March), injuring the train driver and claiming to have taken over 100 passengers hostage. The Jaffar Express, carrying around 400 people, came under heavy gunfire while traveling from Quetta to Peshawar. The Baloch Liberation Army (BLA) claimed responsibility for the attack, stating that six military personnel were killed during the assault. Authorities are working to verify these claims as tensions escalate in the region.

The BLA stated that among the hostages are active-duty personnel from the Pakistani military, police, Anti-Terrorism Force, and intelligence agencies. The group issued a warning that any military intervention to rescue the captives would result in their execution. Government officials have declared an emergency and ordered all security institutions to remain on high alert. The situation remains fluid, with security forces assessing the scale of the attack and planning their response.

Balochistan has been a hotspot for separatist insurgency, with militants frequently targeting security forces and infrastructure. The province, rich in natural resources, has long been the center of ethnic Baloch grievances against the central government, with insurgent groups demanding greater autonomy. The recent attack underscores the growing instability in the region and the increasing boldness of militant groups. Security analysts warn that such incidents could escalate tensions further and lead to more military operations.

The attack on the Jaffar Express follows a series of violent incidents in Balochistan over the past year. In November 2024, a deadly suicide bombing at Quetta Railway Station killed at least 26 people and injured 62 others. The Pakistani government has struggled to contain separatist violence despite repeated security crackdowns. As authorities work to resolve the current hostage crisis, concerns grow over the broader implications of rising militant activity in the province.

References

• Militants Storm Train in Pakistan Leaving Passengers Hostage and Security on Alert