Hostage Crisis on Jaffar Express: Baloch Liberation Army Claims Responsibility

A passenger train in Pakistan's Balochistan came under fire, leaving the driver severely injured and over 450 passengers and staff feared hostage. The Baloch Liberation Army has claimed responsibility, warning against military rescue. Efforts are ongoing to establish contact with those aboard.

A passenger train, the Jaffar Express, en route from Quetta to Peshawar, was attacked in Pakistan's Balochistan province on Tuesday. The confrontation left the train's driver severely injured and more than 450 passengers and staff are feared to have been taken hostage, according to local media reports.

In response to the crisis, the provincial government has directed emergency actions as efforts continue to contact the train's passengers and crew. The Baloch Liberation Army has claimed responsibility, stating it repelled a ground assault from Pakistani military forces and warned against a rescue attempt.

Authorities have struggled to reach the train due to difficult terrain and have declared emergencies at local hospitals. An investigation into the incident's circumstances and potential terrorist involvement is underway, with heightened emergency measures ordered across Balochistan.

(With inputs from agencies.)