The separatist Baloch Liberation Army claimed responsibility for attacking the train carrying 440 passengers in a tunnel in a remote part of Balochistan. Spokesman Jeeyand Baloch had said the group was ready to free passengers if authorities agree to release jailed militants.

ISLAMABAD — Pakistan’s neglected southwestern province of Balochistan has been the scene of a yearslong insurgency, with a dramatic uptick in attacks in recent years underscoring the struggles the government in Islamabad faces in dealing with myriad security threats.

A train was hijacked by separatist group associated with the Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA) seeking the secession of Balochistan from Pakistan.

The separatist Baloch Liberation Army had claimed responsibility for the attack Tuesday in a tunnel in Bolan, a district in restive Balochistan province. Its spokesman Jeeyand Baloch said the group was ready to free passengers if authorities agree to release jailed militants.

Federal Minister for Information Attaullah Tarar also confirmed that the 33 terrorists who held Pakistani citizens hostage have been eliminated

Pakistani officials say insurgents have attacked a passenger train in a tunnel, and a separatist group claims it has taken over 100 hostages.

More than 400 people were on the Jaffar Express on Tuesday when militants fired on the train and blew up the track in the Balochistan region, Pakistani security officials said.