QUETTA, Pakistan — Separatist militants detonated a railway track and opened fire on a passenger train in southwestern Pakistan on Tuesday (March 11), taking numerous hostages and clashing with security forces attempting a rescue operation, according to police and the insurgents. Authorities have not disclosed the exact number of passengers held, but the insurgents claimed they had captured 214 individuals and threatened to begin executions.

"The train remains at the location, and armed assailants continue to hold passengers," said senior district police officer Rana Dilawar. "Security forces have launched an extensive operation," he added, noting that helicopters and special forces were deployed. The train was trapped inside a tunnel, and the driver succumbed to severe injuries, local authorities, police, and railway officials confirmed.

The Baloch Liberation Army (BLA), a separatist group, claimed responsibility for the attack, stating that they had "swiftly taken control of the train" after damaging the tracks. The group warned that it would execute 10 hostages if military operations against them continued. The BLA issued a 48-hour ultimatum, demanding the release of Baloch political prisoners, activists, and missing persons whom they accused the military of abducting.

"The BLA is open to a prisoner exchange," the group declared. "If our demands are not met within the given time frame, or if any military action is taken, all captives will be executed, and the train will be completely destroyed," they warned. The insurgents, who seek independence for Balochistan, a province bordering Afghanistan and Iran, claimed that among the hostages were members of the Pakistan Army and security personnel traveling on leave.

According to Dilawar, some militants had taken approximately 35 hostages into the mountains, while others remained in control of the locomotive. Earlier reports suggested that more than 300 hostages were safe, but security forces later confirmed that 104 passengers had been rescued. Security officials reported an explosion near the tunnel and continued exchanging fire with the insurgents in the mountainous terrain.

A security source, speaking anonymously, confirmed that several lives were lost in the attack and stated that 80 military personnel were among the 425 passengers aboard the train. Another official reported that 104 passengers had been rescued, 17 injured were taken to hospitals, and 16 militants had been killed, adding that the remaining insurgents were encircled.

"The operation will continue until the last terrorist is neutralized," they stated. The BLA denied suffering casualties, claiming instead that they had killed 30 soldiers and shot down a drone, though Pakistani authorities have not verified these claims. Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif condemned the attack and praised security forces for "pushing back" the militants.

Hostages at Risk: "Civilian passengers, including women, children, the elderly, and Baloch citizens, have been safely released and provided with a secure exit route," the BLA stated in a message sent to journalists and posted on Telegram. The group warned, "If military intervention continues, all remaining hostages will be executed." The Jaffar Express was traveling from Quetta, the capital of Balochistan, to Peshawar in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province when it was ambushed.

Pakistani Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi strongly condemned the attack and commended security forces for successfully rescuing over 100 passengers.

"Those who target innocent civilians are enemies of the nation," he said. "Hostile elements are conspiring to create instability through acts of terrorism in Balochistan." The Balochistan government has declared emergency measures to manage the crisis, according to spokesperson Shahid Rind, though further details were not provided. The BLA, the largest among several insurgent groups operating in the region, has waged a long-standing conflict against the government, claiming that Balochistan's natural resources, including gas and minerals, are unfairly exploited. The ongoing insurgency has led to repeated attacks on government facilities, military forces, and Chinese interests in the province.

Disclaimer: This image is taken from Pakistan Railways.