Islamabad: Railway officials confirmed that gunmen seized control of the Jaffar Express, which was traveling from Quetta to Peshawar, and took both civilians and security personnel hostage. The militant group alleged that six military personnel had been killed in the assault and warned of retaliation if security forces attempted an operation.
Provincial spokesperson Shahid Rind stated that an emergency had been declared at a major hospital in Sibi city, about 160 km from Quetta, following reports of heavy gunfire at the train. Meanwhile, there was no immediate comment from Pakistan’s military on the crisis.
The BLA, a separatist movement demanding independence from Pakistan, has intensified attacks in recent years. The province, rich in minerals and natural resources, has long been a battleground between Baloch insurgents and the Pakistani state.
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The Jaffar Express attack comes months after the service was resumed in October, following a two-month suspension due to a previous BLA-claimed attack on railway tracks.
Security analyst Muhammad Shoaib warned that the BLA’s attacks have grown in scale, frequency, and sophistication, pointing to a 119% increase in militant incidents last year.
Last month, the BLA killed at least 18 soldiers in an attack in Kalat city, highlighting the group’s growing operational strength.
