Baloch rebel group Baloch Liberation Army (BLA) has seized the Jaffar Express train in Pakistan's southwestern province of Balochistan and abducted over 100 passengers near Bolan, as per reports.
A purported release issued by the BLA has surfaced online taking responsibility for the hijack. According to the release, the group took control of the Jaffar Express by derailing it.
"During the resistance, six military personnel were killed, while over 100 passengers have been taken into BLA custody," it read.
Giving details about the hostages, BLA said, "Among the hostages are active-duty personnel from the Pakistani military, police, Anti-Terrorism Force (ATF), and Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI)—all of whom were traveling to Punjab on leave. The BLA issues a stark warning that if the occupying forces attempt any military intervention, all hostages will be executed."
According to the release, the rebels released women, children, and Baloch passengers while holding others as hostages.
BLA claimed that its operation is being led by its Fidayeen Unit, Majeed Brigade, with full operational support from Fateh Squad, STOS, and their intelligence wing Zirab.
Train set on fire
Meanwhile, Pakistan Army has rushed a relief train with reinforcements of Pakistani soldiers and doctors from Quetta Railway station to Sibi, as per reports.
A shocking visual of the incident has surfaced on social media, claiming that the train was set on fire after the hijacking. The video shows the train burning, with plumes of smoke emanating from it.
Approximately 500 passengers were on board: Balochistan government
According to Pakistan's daily Dawn, the incident took place between Pehro and Gadalar. In a statement, the Balochistan government said the train, consisting of nine coaches, had approximately 500 passengers on board.
