The Baloch Liberation Army (BLA), a separatist group, has claimed responsibility for an attack on a passenger train in Pakistan's Balochistan province, alleging they have taken 182 people hostage and killed 20 Pakistani soldiers. The armed group also claimed to have shot down a drone during the operation. The incident occurred in the Bolan district of Balochistan on Tuesday (March 11), according to a report by Reuters.

The BLA launched the attack on the Jaffar Express train in the Mushkaf area early Tuesday morning. Armed members of the group reportedly opened fire with automatic weapons, forcing the train to stop. They then took control of the train and allegedly targeted military personnel on board. The train driver was critically injured in the attack, causing the train to become stuck inside a tunnel.

Local authorities, police, and railway officials confirmed that approximately 500 passengers were on board the train at the time of the attack. In a statement, the BLA claimed full control of the train and announced the killing of 20 Pakistani soldiers. They also stated that 182 individuals, primarily security personnel, were being held hostage.

The group claimed to have released women, children, elderly passengers, and Baloch citizens, allowing them to leave safely. However, they warned that any military rescue attempt would result in the execution of all hostages within an hour. The BLA issued a stern warning against drone strikes or military operations, threatening severe consequences if such actions were taken.

Pakistani security forces have launched a rescue operation in the area, though the mountainous terrain has made the mission challenging. A special rescue train carrying military personnel has been dispatched to the site, and gunfire exchanges between security forces and the attackers have been reported.

Pakistan's Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi condemned the attack, calling the perpetrators "enemies of humanity" and vowing that no mercy would be shown to those targeting innocent civilians. Balochistan government spokesperson Shahid Rind confirmed that emergency measures have been taken to control the situation, with additional security forces deployed to assist in the rescue operation.

Balochistan, Pakistan's resource-rich province, has long been a hotspot for separatist movements. The Baloch ethnic group alleges that the Pakistani government exploits the region's natural gas and mineral wealth without providing adequate rights or development to the local population. The BLA has been fighting for independence for decades, frequently targeting military installations, government infrastructure, and Chinese-funded projects in the region.

Meanwhile, Pakistani authorities have accused Indian media and anti-Pakistan social media accounts of spreading misinformation about the attack. Government sources claim that old videos, AI-generated images, fake WhatsApp messages, and misleading posters are being circulated to create panic. The public has been urged to rely only on verified sources for information.

As of the latest reports, gunfire continues in the area, and rescue operations remain ongoing. The Pakistani military has reiterated its commitment to safely rescuing all hostages and eliminating the terrorists involved.

The attack highlights the ongoing tensions in Balochistan, where separatist groups like the BLA continue to challenge the Pakistani government. The region's strategic importance, coupled with its natural resources, has made it a focal point of conflict and instability.

The BLA's actions have drawn international attention, with concerns rising over the safety of civilians and the potential for further violence. The Pakistani government faces mounting pressure to address the grievances of the Baloch people while ensuring security in the region.

As the situation unfolds, authorities are working to provide updates and ensure the safety of those affected. The international community is closely monitoring developments, with calls for a peaceful resolution to the longstanding conflict in Balochistan.

This incident underscores the complex challenges facing Pakistan in its efforts to maintain stability and address the demands of separatist movements. The outcome of the ongoing rescue operation and the government's response will likely have significant implications for the region's future.