In Pakistan, an armed separatist group took control of a passenger train on Tuesday, killing more than 30 security personnel. Out of the 450 passengers on board, 214 were taken hostage.
According to news agencies, the train, named Jaffer Express, was seized by a separatist organization called the Balochistan Liberation Army. The group claimed to have taken control of the train along with the security personnel and passengers. Reports indicate that the train was traveling from Quetta to Peshawar when it was seized by the militant group.
The provincial government has directed the local administration to take emergency measures, according to news agencies.
Security officials reported that during the seizure, women and children were used as human shields. However, 104 individuals have been rescued by security forces, including 58 men, 31 women, and 15 children. A complete account of the incident is yet to be released.
Balochistan government spokesperson Shahid Rind confirmed the attack on the train by the militant group but stated that further details are yet to emerge.
Due to the region’s difficult terrain, government officials and security personnel may take time to reach the site, he said. Meanwhile, the railway department has announced preparations to send other trains to assist in the rescue operation.
