The Baloch Liberation Army (BLA) today claimed responsibility for taking control of the Jaffar Express and holding its passengers hostage near the Mushkaf area of Dhadar in district Kachhi.

The incident unfolded when BLA militants allegedly detonated the railway track, intercepted the Peshawar-bound train, and took its control, warning of dire consequences if army forces intervened.

According to Jeeyand Baloch, the spokesperson for BLA, the operation was a coordinated effort involving the STOA, Fatah Squad, and the Majeed brigade.

Meanwhile, provincial government spokesperson Shahid Rind reported firing incidents at the scene and noted that an emergency status has been activated at Civil Hospital Sibi, with ambulances dispatched to the site.

Rind highlighted the challenges posed by the mountainous terrain in reaching the affected area but assured that security forces were on their way. He emphasized that preliminary investigations suggested a terrorist act. He urged the public to disregard any circulating rumors, confirming that necessary measures had been instructed for immediate action.