They are acting with extreme caution, says a source to the news agency AFP about the ongoing operation.
The hostages are surrounded by separatists wearing vests with explosives. Gunfire is heard and around 30 rebels are said to have been killed. At the same time, it is reported that 190 passengers have been rescued.
Many rumors are circulating, however, and it is unclear how many people are actually being held by the BLA (Baloch Liberation Army) in the stopped train in a mountainous area southeast of the city of Quetta.
According to the initial reports on Tuesday, when the BLA blew up part of the track, 450 passengers had been taken hostage. After a few hours, reports emerged that "women, children, and Baloch passengers" had been released. About a hundred Pakistani soldiers would then remain in captivity, according to the BLA, reported AFP.
But early on Wednesday, AP and AFP reported that around 300 people were still on board, citing Pakistani authorities. A few hours later, it was reported that 190 people had been rescued.
The BLA has long fought for an independent Baluchistan – the poorest province in Pakistan – and is hiding, among other places, on the other side of the border with Afghanistan. In recent years, the conflict has escalated and the BLA has carried out many violent acts and attacks.
