The Jaffar Express, a passenger train carrying approximately 400 to 500 passengers across nine bogies, was violently hijacked on Tuesday in Pakistan’s restive Balochistan province while traveling from Quetta to Peshawar.

The Baloch Liberation Army (BLA), a separatist group seeking independence for Balochistan, claimed responsibility, asserting it has taken over 100 passengers hostage and killed six Pakistani military personnel in what it described as a meticulously planned operation.

The attack unfolded near the Ab-e-Gum area of Mach Town in Kachhi district, where BLA fighters reportedly blew up railway tracks, forcing the train to halt near Tunnel No. 8. Armed gunmen then stormed the train, opening fire and spreading panic among passengers.

Railway officials confirmed the driver sustained serious injuries, while multiple travelers were wounded. Rescue teams and security forces have rushed to the scene, launching an operation to pursue the assailants, with an emergency relief train dispatched to assist.

BLA spokesperson Jeeyand Baloch issued a chilling warning: any military intervention by Pakistani forces would result in the execution of all hostages, including active-duty personnel from the military, police, and intelligence services.

Balochistan government spokesperson Shahid Rind reported intense firing between Pehro Kunri and Gadalar, hinting at a possible terrorist incident. Controller Railways Muhammad Kashif noted efforts to contact passengers and staff remain ongoing, underscoring the chaos.

Balochistan, bordering Iran and Afghanistan, has long been a hotspot for insurgency, with groups like the BLA targeting security forces and infrastructure, including the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) projects.

Tuesday’s hijacking marks a dramatic escalation in tactics, raising alarm over regional stability. As security forces mobilize, the fate of the hostages hangs in the balance, with no official update yet emerging.