Rails blown up

Pakistan: Hundreds held hostage after train attack

A train in Pakistan (symbol)(Bild: Anees - stock.adobe.com)

Armed separatists have attacked a train carrying hundreds of passengers in south-west Pakistan and brought the vehicle to a standstill. Authorities fear a hostage situation. 

The train was on its way to the megacity of Peshawar in the northwest of the country in the troubled province of Balochistan when attackers blew up the tracks and fired at the train, a police spokesman said. The number of passengers was estimated at 400 to 500.

Military personnel among hostages
Intelligence circles confirmed the information. The attackers had overpowered the train driver. It is unclear what condition he is in. The majority of the passengers were members of the military or their families, the sources added. The separatist group Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA) claimed responsibility for the attack and threatened to kill the passengers if security forces intervened. According to a military spokesman, rescue forces and helicopters are already on their way to the affected area.

In the province, which borders Iran and Afghanistan, there are repeated attacks by separatists such as the BLA. The separatist groups are demanding more autonomy for the resource-rich province.