Armed militants attacked a passenger train in Pakistan’s Balochistan province on Tuesday, taking hostages after bombing the tracks near Sibi district. The Baloch Liberation Army (BLA), designated as a terrorist group by Pakistan and Western nations, claimed responsibility for storming the Jaffar Express traveling from Quetta to Peshawar.
By Wednesday morning, 104 passengers were rescued, including 17 injured, while at least 16 militants died in clashes. Rescuers described “intense firing” during the operation, with the train stuck near a mountainous tunnel. The BLA threatened to kill hostages unless Baloch political prisoners were freed within 48 hours.
Passengers reported chaos as attackers boarded the train; some fled to nearby stations earlier, while families waited anxiously for updates amid limited communication due to poor internet and mobile coverage in the area. Balochistan’s underdevelopment contrasts with its resource-rich landscape, fueling longstanding tensions. Rescue efforts continue as authorities negotiate.
Source: https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c5y2q5v9249o