Pakistan train hijack: 20 soldiers killed in clash with Baloch rebels, 182 hostages at risk!

In a shocking turn of events, separatist militants overran a Peshawar-bound train in the restive Balochistan province of Pakistan on Tuesday, March 11. The militants commandeered the train, holding about 450 passengers, including women and children, hostage. Local officials suspect terrorism and have taken emergency measures accordingly.

Reports of heavy gunfire on the Jaffar Express coming from Quetta to Peshawar have been received," provincial government spokesman Shahid Rind said. Reports state that violent exchanges in the region have killed at least 20 security personnel.

Baloch Liberation Army (BLA) claims responsibility

The separatist militant group Baloch Liberation Army (BLA) has been attributed with claiming responsibility for the attack. In a statement, the group alleged that it hijacked the train and had made both passengers and security personnel as hostages. "Our freedom fighters conducted a meticulously planned operation at Mashkaf, Dhadar, and Bolan in which they ruptured railway lines, causing Jaffar Express to halt" BLA said.

BLA issues warning to Pakistani government

Following the hijacking, BLA issued a warning to the Pakistani government. The militants said six military officials had been killed, and hundreds of passengers were still their captives. 

BLA also claimed that the operation had been carried out by its Special Units—Majid Brigade, STOS, and Fateh Squad—and claimed that whatever effort there is towards military infiltration would be reciprocated with fierce resistance. 

Over 100 security personnel in detention

In a statement, BLA spokesperson Jeend Baloch stated that the ground offensive by the Pakistani army to retake control had "completely failed," forcing the military to retreat. The army has since then conducted aerial and drone strikes. BLA threatened that if the airstrikes continue, all the hostages would be executed within an hour, threatening that further military action would have "catastrophic consequences."

"The occupation army still has the choice of halting its airstrikes and rescuing its people. Otherwise, the Pakistani army will be held entirely responsible for the murder of all hostages," the BLA spokesman warned.