[ATTACK] Hundreds Taken Hostage by Baloch Separatists

On Tuesday Baloch separatists stopped the Jaffar Express, a train traveling through the Bolan district of Balochistan, Pakistan, and took its passengers hostage. There were over 400 people on board the train. By Wednesday, after Pakistan sent in commandos, over 300 hostages were rescued

The Baloch Liberation Army (BLA) has claimed responsibility for the attack. The BLA forced the train, which was traveling from Quetta to Peshawar, to stop with gunfire and rockets, which the BLA claims killed six security personnel. After a 30 hour gunfight, at least 33 BLA fighters were killed. BLA activity is increasing in Pakistan. Islamabad-based think tank Pak Institute of Peace Studies says that attacks are up by 119 percent. The BLA wants an end to Chinese investment in the area, which exists to capitalize on the rich mineral wealth of the region.

Sources:

1. Al Jazeera — Gunmen hijack train in Pakistan’s Balochistan, take hundreds hostage
2. The New York Times — Pakistan Separatists Hijack Train With 400 Onboard and Give Ultimatum
3. The Times — ‘I played dead for 27 hours’: ordeal of Pakistan train hostages