Islamabad, Mar. 11 (dpa/GNA) – Gunmen attacked a train carrying hundreds of passengers in south-western Pakistan and brought it to a standstill on Tuesday.
Authorities fear a hostage situation. The separatist group Balochistan Liberation Army claimed responsibility for the attack and threatened to kill the passengers if security forces intervened.
The train was travelling in the troubled province of Balochistan on its way to the city of Peshawar in the north-west of the country when attackers blew up the tracks and fired at the train, a police spokesman said.
Intelligence sources confirmed the information. The attackers had overpowered the train driver and it is unclear what condition he is in.
According to a military spokesman, rescue forces and helicopters were already on their way to the affected area.
The province borders Iran and Afghanistan. Separatist groups are demanding more autonomy for the resource-rich region.
GNA