Pakistan Train Hijack: 27 Terrorists Killed, 157 Hostages Freed as Rescue Operations Continue

TDT | Manama
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A separatist attack in Pakistan’s Balochistan province led to a high-stakes hostage situation involving the Jaffar Express train, which was carrying nearly 450 passengers from Quetta to Peshawar. The Baloch Liberation Army (BLA), a militant separatist group, has claimed responsibility for the attack, during which the train was hijacked, and a number of hostages, including security personnel, were taken.

According to reports from the scene, the militants, numbering in the dozens, targeted the train near the Mashkaf area in Dhadar, Bolan. After blowing up the railway track, the attackers forced the Jaffar Express to come to an abrupt halt, before swiftly taking control of the train and its passengers. The hostage situation quickly escalated as the BLA announced that several military personnel were among those detained.

The group claimed that over 30 security forces were killed in the ambush, adding to the already tense atmosphere in the region. According to police and railway officials, the train driver was injured in the assault, and the attack was carried out with great precision. The militants reportedly began firing indiscriminately after taking control of the train.

Rescue Operations Underway

Authorities quickly mobilized rescue teams, with police and military units rushing to the scene of the attack. An intense operation is currently underway, with security forces focusing on both negotiating with the hostage-takers and attempting to eliminate the militants. So far, 157 hostages have been successfully freed as the rescue teams gain ground. However, the standoff continues, with several militants reportedly still on the train.

The BLA, known for its violent separatist activities in Balochistan, has previously been behind numerous terrorist attacks in the region. Their goal of achieving greater autonomy for Balochistan has led to clashes with Pakistani security forces for years, with these latest attacks further highlighting the growing separatist sentiment in the province.

Balochistan's History of Tension

Balochistan, Pakistan's largest province, has long been a hotbed of ethnic unrest and separatist violence. The BLA has been one of the key players in the province’s insurgency, which seeks to establish greater independence for Balochistan from the central Pakistani government. The group has previously targeted military personnel, infrastructure, and government installations.

This recent hijacking incident marks one of the most severe acts of violence by the BLA in recent months, with multiple fatalities and dozens of hostages taken. The attack has prompted widespread condemnation and has raised further concerns about the security situation in the region, especially as the separatist movement gains momentum.

Ongoing Crisis

As of now, rescue operations are still in progress, with authorities continuing to clear the area and negotiate with the militants. While 27 terrorists have been confirmed dead, many more remain unaccounted for, and tensions are expected to remain high for the foreseeable future.

The Pakistan government has condemned the attack, vowing to continue its fight against militant groups operating in the region. Prime Minister Imran Khan has called for an immediate inquiry into the incident and has vowed that those responsible for the attack will be brought to justice.

This incident underscores the deep-rooted tensions in Balochistan, a region that has seen increasing instability due to separatist movements, and the growing threat posed by groups like the BLA. The ongoing operation will likely have significant ramifications on the broader security situation in Pakistan, as authorities seek to eliminate terrorist threats and restore order.