Politics Train attack in Pakistan: Separatists threaten to kill hostages
After an attack on a train in Pakistan's troubled Baluchistan province with hundreds of passengers, separatists are threatening to kill hostages.
12.03.2025, 15:30
SDA
According to a statement by the separatist group Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA), five of them would have to die every hour if the government did not agree to the demand to release prisoners in exchange for the hostages. There were 24 hours until the threat would be carried out.
According to the military, around 100 gunmen attacked a train carrying around 450 passengers on Tuesday and overpowered the train driver. According to the army, 190 passengers are now safe. The exchange of fire between the soldiers and the attackers is continuing.
The train was on its way to the megacity of Peshawar in the north-west of the country. The majority of the passengers were army personnel or members of their families, it was reported.
UN intervenes
The United Nations condemned the attack and demanded the release of the hostages. Attacks on civilians are unacceptable, said a spokesperson for UN Secretary-General António Guterres in a statement.
In the south-western province of Baluchistan, which borders Iran and Afghanistan, there are repeated attacks by separatists.
