Balochistan Insurgents Attack Train in Pakistan, Take Hostages

Several passengers were injured when gunmen attacked a train in Pakistan's troubled Balochistan on Tuesday, prompting the provincial government to direct authorities to take "emergency measures".

- Press Trust of India

KARACHI:

Jaffar Express, with around 500 passengers on board in nine coaches, was on its way from Quetta to Peshawar in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa when it was fired on between Gudalaar and Piru Koneri areas, according to officials.

The train departed Quetta at 9 am. Pakistan's Samaa TV said that according to Railway officials, no contact has been established with the 450 passengers and staff aboard the 9-coach Jaffar Express.

The Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA) claimed that it seized control of the train by derailing it, killed six security personnel and took over 100 passengers, including serving soldiers, into custody. However, there was no independent confirmation of their claim.

In a statement, the BLA warned that if the Pakistan military launches an operation, "all hostages will be executed". The group is banned in Pakistan, the UK and the US.