100 passengers Rescued, 10 Killed in Train Attack in Pakistan as Rescue Operation Continues

New Delhi, March 12: Security forces in Pakistan that cordoned the area are working to rescue passengers taken hostage by armed militants on a train traveling from Quetta to Peshawar.

The attack happened in Pakistan’s Bolan district of Balochistan when gunmen opened fire on the Jaffar Express, having around 450 passengers and nine boggies forcing the train to stop near a tunnel in difficult terrain.

Baloch Liberation Army (BLA), claimed responsibility for the assault. They said they had taken hostages, including scores of security personnel, and warned they would harm them if an operation was launched. The BLA is one of the biggest insurgent groups operating out of Balochistan and banned by Pakistan.

One of its key demands has been to carve out a separate Baloch state out of Pakistan. It is active in the area bordering Afghanistan and Iran, a mineral-rich region.

Security forces quickly responded, despite challenging terrain, and launched a rescue operation. By Tuesday night, the local media claim quoting official sources that 104 people, including 58 men, 31 women, and 15 children were freed. At least 10 people were killed, including nine security personnel and perhaps train driver.

The militants had bombed the railway track before storming the train. The injured were taken to nearby hospitals for treatment. Emergency services have been mobilised in the region, and authorities are urging people to remain calm. This attack is part of rising militant violence in Balochistan, where separatist groups have been active.