Armed rebels in Pakistan’s troubled Balochistan region launched an assault on a passenger train carrying hundreds of individuals on Tuesday.

Traveling from Quetta in Balochistan province to Peshawar in the northern part of the country, the Jaffar Express was transporting approximately 400 passengers, as per rail authorities.

The Baloch Liberation Army (BLA) has taken responsibility for the assault and has alleged that they have taken hostages.

During the attack, the train operator sustained injuries, causing the train to come to a standstill in an abandoned area in the Bolan region. Security guards on the train returned fire.

Shahid Rind, a government spokesperson, announced that reinforcements were being dispatched to Bolan.

Baloch insurgents frequently target trains, making it necessary to have armed security on board.

In November, a suicide bombing at a train station in Quetta resulted in the deaths of 26 individuals, including passengers, railway staff, and security personnel.

More details to follow…

Source: https://www.dw.com/en/pakistan-insurgents-attack-passenger-train-in-balochistan/a-71887048?maca=en-rss-en-all-1573-rdf