In a shocking turn of events, an armed group has launched a daring attack on a passenger train in Pakistan, taking an unknown number of travelers hostage. The incident has prompted a swift response from security forces, who are racing to provide assistance and resolve the situation.
According to reports from international news agencies on Tuesday, March 11, 2024, armed fighters from the Baloch Liberation Army (BLA) in the Balochistan region of Pakistan attacked the “Jaffar” express train, which was carrying hundreds of passengers from Quetta to Peshawar. The BLA, a separatist group in Pakistan, claimed responsibility for the attack, stating that they had blown up the train tracks before storming the train at the Sibi station, a remote area. The group warned of severe consequences if any attempt was made to rescue the hostages, asserting that the train was now under their control.
However, Pakistani police informed local media that at least three people, including the train driver, had been injured in the attack. Security forces, accompanied by helicopters, have been dispatched to the scene and are attempting to rescue the hostages amidst reports of intense gunfire.
Muhammad Kashif, the train controller in Quetta, told the BBC that between 400 and 450 passengers had purchased or booked tickets for the ill-fated train. A senior military official confirmed to the BBC that over 100 military personnel were also on board the train.
It remains unclear how many people have been taken hostage, but a railway official in Quetta told the BBC that at least 60 women and children had disembarked from the train and walked to the nearest railway station. The fate of the other passengers remains unknown.
As the situation continues to unfold, the international community is watching with bated breath, hoping for a peaceful resolution to the crisis. The incident has once again highlighted the need for increased security measures and cooperation between governments to combat terrorism and protect innocent lives.
Source: BBC