Train Carrying 400 Passengers Hijacked, 214 Abducted, Location Announced
by by Basit Jamiu · Legit.ng News · Join- Separatist fighters from the Baloch Liberation Army (BLA) attacked and seized the Jaffar Express in Pakistan's Balochistan province, taking over 400 passengers hostage
- The BLA claimed responsibility, stating that six military personnel were killed and warned of retaliation if security forces attempted a rescue operation
- The incident underscores the ongoing conflict in Balochistan, which has been marked by frequent attacks despite numerous military operations
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Quetta, Pakistan – Separatist fighters attacked and seized a train in Pakistan's southwestern province of Balochistan on Tuesday, March 11, taking hundreds of passengers hostage.
The Jaffar Express, carrying more than 400 passengers, was travelling from Quetta to Peshawar when it was attacked.
According to Al Jazeera, provincial spokesperson Shahid Rind confirmed that an emergency had been declared at a major hospital in Sibi city following reports of intense firing at the train.
Hostages and casualties
The Baloch Liberation Army (BLA) claimed responsibility for the attack, stating that six military personnel had been killed.
After abducting 214 persons, the group warned of retaliation if security forces attempted an operation to free the hostages, which included security personnel.
There was no immediate comment from Pakistan’s military regarding the situation.
Ongoing conflict in Balochistan
Balochistan, rich in minerals and natural resources, has been the epicentre of a decades-long conflict between the government and ethnic Baloch separatists demanding secession from Pakistan.
The province has also witnessed attacks against Chinese interests and nationals working on projects within the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor, a $62bn development initiative. Despite numerous military operations, attacks by the BLA and other groups have persisted.
About Pakistan
Pakistan is a country located in South Asia, bordered by India to the east, Afghanistan and Iran to the west, and China to the north.
It has a diverse landscape that includes mountains, deserts, and coastal areas along the Arabian Sea. Pakistan is known for its rich cultural heritage, which blends influences from Central Asia, the Middle East, and South Asia.
Major cities include Islamabad, the capital, Karachi, Lahore, and Peshawar.
The country's history is marked by its partition from India in 1947, following the end of British colonial rule.
Since then, Pakistan has navigated various political, social, and economic challenges. Its population is predominantly Muslim, and the official languages are Urdu and English.
Pakistan's economy is driven by agriculture, manufacturing, and services, with significant contributions from textiles, pharmaceuticals, and information technology sectors.
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Legit.ng earlier reported that the Nigerian government earlier announced free train rides on all federal trains from 20 December to 5 January. The Minister of Information, Mohammed Idris, made this announcement at the end of Monday’s Federal Executive Council meeting.
All Nigerian passenger trains are publicly owned and primarily operated by the federal government through the Nigeria Railway Corporation. Despite this, train services lag behind road transportation as the most popular means of transport among Nigerians.
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Proofreading by Nkem Ikeke, copy editor at Legit.ng.