Balochistan, March 11: A passenger train in Pakistan carrying around 500 passengers was hijacked by a separatists militant group in the Balochistan province on Tuesday (March 11). The Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA) has taken responsibility of the attack. They took around 182 passengers hostage and a major clash erupted between the security agencies and the militants. Several militants and Pakistan military personnel have lost their lives in the clash. Here's what we know so far about the incident.
Insurgent Group Opens Fire On Train
BLA opened fire upon the Jaffar Express on its way from Quetta to Peshawar in the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, allegedly killing 20 security personnel and holding hundreds of passengers captive. Reports suggest that the train was stopped inside a tunnel by armed men, leaving passengers trapped. The difficult terrain, consisting of 17 tunnels, helped the militants to take advantage of the situation.
BLA Warns Government
“This operation is being conducted jointly by the Majeed Brigade, STOS, and Fateh Squad —specialized units of the BLA. Any military incursion will be met with an equally forceful response,” BLA said in a statement, warning that it will kill passengers if a military operation is conducted.
Government Of Balochistan Responds
According to the Balochistan government, ambulances and security forces have reached the spot of the incident and are trying to track down the militants. The railways department has sent more trains to the site for rescue efforts. The government has also directed local authorities to take emergency measures.
Released Woman, Children & Baloch Passengers
BLA said that it had released women, children, and Baloch passengers. The militants also claimed to have executed 20 soldiers and shot down a drone during the attack.
350 Passengers Safe
According to news agency Reuters, 35 passengers are still in hostage of the militants and nearly 350 passengers are believed to be safe. However, if the BLA is to be believed 182 passengers are currently held hostage.
History Of BLA
The Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA) is an militant group active in Balochistan, Pakistan. The BLA grew in the early 2000s with the objective of establishing a separate state of Balochistan.
