Islamabad, Pakistan – Separatist fighters have attacked and seized a train in Pakistan’s southwestern province of Balochistan, taking hundreds of people hostage.

Railway sources on Tuesday confirmed to Al Jazeera that more than 400 passengers were on board the nine coaches on the Jaffar Express, which was travelling from the provincial capital of Quetta to the northern city of Peshawar.

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Provincial spokesperson Shahid Rind said an emergency had been declared at a major hospital in Sibi city, situated 160km (100 miles) from Quetta, after reports of “intense firing” at the train.

Separatist group the Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA) claimed responsibility for the attack. It said in a statement that security personnel were among those taken hostage and warned of retaliation if security forces carried out an operation.

This is a developing story. More to follow.