Pakistani security forces are engaged in a prolonged standoff with armed militants following the seizure of a passenger train on Tuesday, which resulted in hundreds of hostages being taken. The Baloch Liberation Army (B.L.A.), a banned separatist group, captured the train in a remote mountainous region of southwest Pakistan.
The B.L.A. claims to be holding at least 214 individuals, including military personnel and law enforcement officers. State media reports indicate that over 190 hostages have been rescued during ongoing operations.
Interior Minister Muhammad Tallal Chaudry stated on Geo News that suicide bombers are among the remaining hostages, and the attackers are using women and children as human shields. The B.L.A. has issued an ultimatum, demanding the release of its imprisoned members within 48 hours, threatening to execute hostages if their demands are not met. They further escalated their threats, stating that they would kill five hostages for each hour that passes after the deadline.
Pakistani officials report that at least 30 militants have been killed in the rescue efforts, and hostages are being held in three separate locations. Chaudry noted that approximately 70 to 80 militants participated in the attack. It remains unclear whether the rescued hostages were freed through military action or released by the militants.
Verification of the situation is challenging due to the isolated location of the hijacking, which has limited communication capabilities. Information has primarily come from security officials and the B.L.A., with no official statement from the Pakistani military, which is leading the rescue operation.
The train, which was traveling from Quetta to Peshawar, became stranded in a tunnel about 100 miles from Quetta during the attack, resulting in the conductor's death. Following the incident, Pakistan Railways announced a temporary suspension of train operations in Quetta until security assessments are completed.
One of the rescued passengers, Muhammad Ashraf, described the chaotic scene during the attack, stating that passengers took cover using luggage to shield themselves from gunfire. He noted that the militants later released groups traveling with women and children.
Balochistan, the province where the incident occurred, has a history of separatist violence and insurgency, exacerbated by major Chinese-led projects in the region. Ethnic separatist groups have been increasingly targeting security forces and Chinese nationals, accusing the Pakistani government of enabling foreign exploitation of local resources.
Experts indicate that these separatist groups have become more sophisticated, adopting tactics like suicide bombings previously associated with Islamist militants. The B.L.A.'s ability to execute a train hijacking reflects advanced planning and intelligence capabilities.
Recently, an alliance of separatist groups, including the B.L.A., announced intentions to intensify attacks on Pakistani security forces and Chinese interests in the region. The B.L.A. has previously been responsible for significant terrorist attacks, including a suicide bombing at a railway station in Quetta last year that killed at least 25 individuals.