Security forces have exchanged gunfire with separatist militants who have hijacked a train in Pakistan, as they try to free around 250 hostages on board.
The militants wearing vests loaded with explosives barricaded themselves inside the train with the hostages, Pakistani officials said – with a government spokesman describing the attack as “an act of terrorism”.
At least 10 people, including the driver of the train, and eight security personnel have been killed after the train was hijacked on Tuesday as it entered a tunnel in Bolan, a district in the southwestern province of Balochistan.
Officials said 30 militants had been killed.
Passengers who have been freed described how gunfire was “coming from everywhere”.
The Jaffar Express was packed with 425 people, including women and children.
Officials said 190 people have been rescued, adding 37 people had been injured and were receiving medical treatment.
The train was on a 1,000-mile journey from Quetta to the city of Peshawar.
Militants blew up the railway tracks before firing at the train, killing the driver and trapping it inside a tunnel at Mashkaf.
Officials said more than 150 people have been rescued. Pic: AP
Noor Muhammad, who was travelling with his wife, said: “First, they hit the engine with an RPG (rocket-propelled grenade).
“After that, gunfire started and explosions were heard, RPGs were used. God saved us. They made us get off (the train) and told us to get down or they would shoot. We got down and then they said ‘leave’.”
Bashir Yousaf, who was with his family, said: “Everyone was crying and passengers were shouting, everyone was lying on the floor trying to save their lives.
“The sound of gunfire was coming from everywhere, then they (insurgents) told us to get down.
“After getting off we were told not to look back. I just kept walking without looking back to save my family’s lives.”
A soldier keeps watch near to the scene of the hijacked train. Pic: AP
Soldiers and police have been deployed at sites close to the hijacking. Pic AP
Pakistan’s prime minister, Shehbaz Sharif, has condemned the attack and said security officials are “repelling” the militants.
Interior minister Mohsin Naqvi has called the attackers “enemies” of Pakistan and vowed to foil their conspiracy to destabilise the nation.
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The Baloch Liberation Army (BLA) has claimed responsibility for the attack.
The militant group has demanded the release of Baloch political prisoners, activists, and missing persons within 48 hours.
It has threatened to start executing the hostages if the government does not fulfil its demands.
