Train training for weapons in Pakistan in Belokistan, take hundreds of hostages | Conflict news

Developing historyDeveloping history,

The Belokistan Liberation Army Hard responsibility for an attack on a train traveling from Queta to Peshawar.

Islamabad, Pakistan – Separatist fighters say they have attacked and seized a train in the southwestern province of Pakistan in Belokistan, with hundreds of people laid.

Railway sources confirmed to Al Jazeera that more than 400 passengers were aboard the nine Jaffar Express coaches when it was attacked on Tuesday while traveling from the provincial capital of Queta to the northern city of Peshawar.

Province spokesman Shahid Rind said an emergency was announced at a large hospital in the city of Sibi, 160 km (100 miles) southeast of Queta, following reports of “intensive shooting” on the train.

Belokistan's separatist group (BLA) took responsibility for the attack, saying in a statement that six military officials had been killed. He added that security staff were among those taken as hostages and warned of revenge if the security forces carry out surgery.

There was no immediate comment from Pakistan's military.

The train trip at 1600 km (994 miles) from Queta to Peshawar takes more than 30 hours to end with more than 30 stops along the way.

The train service was resumed in October after a two -month braking due to an attack on BLA on the Belokistan track.

The province, which is rich in minerals and natural resources, has been home to decades of conflict between the government and Baloch's ethnic separatists who require secession from Pakistan.

In recent years, there have also been attacks on Chinese interests and citizens working in projects in the economic corridor in China and Pakistan, an initiative to develop $ 62 billion. BLA and other group attacks continue despite a number of military operations.

Bla 'accumulation of force'

In January, a security report on the Islamabad Tank PAK Institute for Research of Peace (PIPS) warned that the situation in Belokistan was “anxious”.

It says that last year there are more than 150 attacks, which has an amazing 119 percent compared to the previous year.

Last month, at least 18 soldiers were killed in the attack by Blat in Belokistan.

Mohammed Shoby, a security analyst and an academician, said the UAV attacks had grown not only in numerous but also in the “deadly”.

“The organization has gained strength over the last few years. He improved his ability to many fronts: propaganda, recruitment, selection of target, intelligence and adaptability, “Shoby told Al Jazeera, adding that BLA had managed to spread his message through social media and attract educated youth.

“To put it simply, she taught the art of staying in the news and maintaining state -owned apparatus engaged in multiple fronts,” Shoby added, noting that there are signs that the UAV is on the rise.

“Now this can spend more resources and operations for operations,” Shoby said.

This is a developing story. Already follow.