Pakistan train hijack: BLA says it killed 20 soldiers - What we know so far

A passenger train, Jaffar Express, was fired upon in southwestern Pakistan on Tuesday, injuring the train driver, with hundreds of passengers taken hostage, according to various media reports. The BLA, which seeks independence for Balochistan province bordering both Afghanistan and Iran, said it had killed 20 soldiers and shot down a drone, news agency Reuters reported.

"The Baloch Liberation Army has carried out a strategic operation in Mashkaf, Dhadar, Bolan, seizing control of the Jaffar Express by derailing it," the Baloch Liberation Army, a militant group, said in a statement.

The incident

The train, Jaffar Express, carrying about 400 passengers in nine bogies, was traveling from Quetta in Balochistan to Peshawar in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa when it came under attack.

In October last year, Pakistan Railways announced the restoration of train services between Quetta and Peshawar after a suspension of more than a month and a half, according to the DAWN.

Also read: Baloch militants attack Pakistan train, take over 100 passengers hostage

Over 100 held hostage

As per the statement by the BLA, over 100 passengers have been taken into custody by the militant group. Among those are personnel from Pakistan military, and ISI. "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," the BLA statement read.

It further said, "During this operation, BLA fighters have released women, children, and Baloch passengers, ensuring that all remaining hostages are serving personnel of the occupying forces."

Who claimed responsibility?

The Baloch Liberation Army (BLA), a separatist militant group, claimed responsibility for the attack in a statement. The group also claimed to have taken hostages from the train, including security personnel.

The Balochistan government has imposed emergency measures. "All institutions have been mobilised to deal with the situation," government spokesperson Shahid Rind said.

Balochistan has seen a long-running insurgency by separatist militant groups, which have carried out attacks against the government, army, and Chinese interests. These groups demand a greater share of the province’s gas and mineral resources. The BLA, the largest of these groups, seeks independence for Balochistan.