Security forces have engaged in a firefight with separatist militants who have taken control of a train in Pakistan, in an effort to release approximately 250 hostages on board. The militants, equipped with explosive vests, have barricaded themselves inside the train with the hostages, with a government official branding the act as terrorism.

At least ten people, including the train driver and eight security personnel, have been killed after the train was hijacked on Tuesday while it was passing through a tunnel in the Bolan district of Balochistan. Officials report that 30 militants have also been killed. Freed passengers recounted how gunfire was coming from every direction.

The Jaffar Express, which was carrying 425 people including women and children, was on a journey spanning 1,000 miles from Quetta to Peshawar. Ninety people have been saved, with another 37 injured and receiving treatment. The attack began when militants blew up the railway tracks and fired on the train, killing the driver and trapping the train inside a tunnel at Mashkaf.

Pakistan’s prime minister, Shehbaz Sharif, has denounced the attack and stated that security forces are working to subdue the militants. Interior minister Mohsin Naqvi referred to the attackers as “enemies” of Pakistan and pledged to thwart their efforts to destabilize the country.

The Baloch Liberation Army (BLA) has stated its involvement in the assault and is demanding the release of Baloch political prisoners, activists, and those missing within 48 hours. They have threatened to begin executing hostages if their demands are not met.

Source: https://news.sky.com/story/pakistan-militants-hijack-train-after-blowing-up-rail-track-as-security-forces-try-to-rescue-hundreds-of-hostages-13326922