The Balochistan Liberation Army has claimed responsibility for attacks on trains from Quetta to Peshawar.
Islamabad, Pakistan – Separatist fighters say they attacked and seized trains in Balochistan province, in the southwestern Pakistan province, taking hundreds of people hostage.
Railway sources confirmed that more than 400 passengers were on nine Jafar Express coaches when they were attacked on Tuesday when they moved from the capital of Quetta’s province to the northern city of Peshawar.
State spokesman Shahid Lind said a state of emergency was declared at a major hospital in Sibi city, 160 km (100 miles) southeast of Quetta after reporting “strong shootings” on the train.
The Baroque Liberation Army (BLA) separatist group said in a statement that six military personnel were killed, claiming responsibility for the attack. It added that some of the security personnel were held hostages warned of retaliation if security forces carried out the operation.
There were no immediate comments by the Pakistani military.
The 1,600 km (994 miles) train journey from Quetta to Peshawar takes over 30 hours and completes over 30 stops along the way.
Train services resumed in October after a two-month suspension due to a BLA-light attack on Balochistan’s trucks.
The mineral and natural resources rich in states were home to decades of conflict between governments demanding withdrawal from Pakistan and ethnic Baroque separatists.
In recent years, there have also been attacks on the interests and people of China, working on projects in the economic corridors of China and Pakistan. This is a $62 billion development initiative. Despite many military operations, attacks by the BLA and other groups continue.
bla ‘Achieve strength’
In January, a security report by the Islamabad-based think tank Pak Peace Institute (PIPS) warned that the situation in Balochistan is “unsettled.”
He said there were over 150 attacks last year, a staggering 119% increase compared to the previous year.
At least 18 soldiers were killed in a BLA attack in Karat city, Balochistan last month.
Security analyst and academic Muhammad Shoaib said BLA attacks have skyrocketed not only numerically but also “lethal.”
“The organization has gained strength over the past few years. It has improved its capabilities in many ways, including propaganda, recruitment, target selection, intelligence, adaptability, and more,” Shoaib told Al Jazeera, adding that BLA was able to spread its message through social media and attract educated young people.
“Simply put, it stayed in the news and learned the art of engaging state equipment on multiple fronts,” Shaw Eve added, saying there are indications that BLA recruitment is on the rise.
“Now we can devote more resources and staff to operations,” Shawive said.
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