In the remote southwestern region of Pakistan, an intense confrontation unfolded as security forces engaged hundreds of militants who had seized control of a train and taken approximately 300 individuals hostage. These militants, heavily armed and donning explosive vests, held their captives since the previous day.
The group responsible for this severe hijacking, the separatist Baloch Liberation Army (BLA), claimed the attack took place within a tunnel in Bolan district, located in the volatile province of Balochistan. Spokesperson Jeeyand Baloch stated that their group was prepared to release the hostages if the authorities agreed to liberate imprisoned militants. Up until now, there has been no indication from the government regarding any negotiations, as similar demands have been rejected in the past.
During the operation to reclaim the train, at least 27 militants were reported dead, and Pakistani forces successfully rescued more than 150 of the 450 original passengers. Supported by helicopters, the security forces tackled the challenging terrain of the area. Spokesman Shahid Rind described this hijacking as a “terrorist act,” marking the first time the BLA had halted a train in such a manner, though they have previously targeted railway systems.
The BLA, known for targeting both civilians and security forces, has a history of attacks that have even involved Chinese nationals working on large-scale development projects under the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor. Estimates suggest the group comprises around 3,000 fighters. China, which has invested heavily in Pakistan through its Belt and Road Initiative, publicly criticized the attack. Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Mao Ning reaffirmed China’s strong support for Pakistan’s counterterrorism measures.
From the scene, reports confirm that women and children were among those rescued. However, an undisclosed number of security personnel have perished in the conflict, as revealed by three anonymous officials not authorized to speak publicly. The militants managed to derail the train partially through explosive tactics, causing the engine and nine carriages to come to a halt. An attack on the train’s driver and guards resulted in injuries, yet specifics about their conditions remain unreleased.
The passengers who were successfully freed are being transported back to their homes, while the injured are receiving medical attention at local hospitals in the Mach district and the provincial capital, Quetta, situated roughly 100 kilometers from the attack site. The train was undertaking a journey from Quetta to Peshawar at the time of the ambush.
Balochistan has long struggled with insurgency issues, with separatist factions demanding increased autonomy and fairer distribution of the region’s rich natural resources. The conflict extends beyond Pakistan’s borders, affecting relations with Iran, where both nations have at times accused each other of harboring rebel factions. Such tensions led to reciprocal airstrikes between the two countries in January 2024 before diplomatic negotiations eased the situation.
The BLA, composed of suicide bombers, continues to hold hostages along with some captured security forces. They have explicitly cautioned that the hostages’ lives are in jeopardy if their demands aren’t addressed. Balochistan’s trains commonly carry military personnel, thus highlighting the significance of the attack, particularly the literal and symbolic assault on civilian targets. Analysts, like independent security expert Syed Muhammad Ali, caution that while the BLA seeks heightened media and public attention, targeting civilians may erode their support from the populace, which is essential for their broader objectives.
Balochistan, rich in oil and minerals, is the largest province in Pakistan yet is sparsely populated. It is a central region for the ethnic Baloch minority, who assert they suffer discrimination and exploitation at the hands of the central government.
