The Pakistani security forces have reached a train hijacked by armed Baloch rebels in the province of Balochistan. Continuous gunfire was reported at the site on Tuesday night, according to local media reports. The rebel group, Baloch Liberation Army (BLA), has taken over 100 passengers hostage after seizing the train. A tense situation has emerged as the BLA has warned that they will kill the hostages if the military operation is not halted. Reports indicate that gun battles are ongoing between the Pakistani army and the Baloch militants.

The train, named Jaffar Express, was traveling from Quetta, the capital of Balochistan, to Peshawar when it was seized by the rebels on Tuesday morning. The train carried nearly 500 passengers, out of which at least 182 were taken hostage. It is feared that the rebels may have planted high-powered explosives inside the train. To block the rescue team, the insurgents blew up a section of the railway track. The hijacked train was moved into Tunnel No. 8 in the mountainous region. The BLA’s motive behind this attack seems to be aimed at asserting their demands while targeting a route frequently used by military personnel and paramilitary forces. Security forces have cordoned off the entire area as fears of further violence escalate.