Pakistan Train Hijacking: 155 Hostages Freed, 27 BLA Militants Neutralized
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Synopsis
Pakistani security forces have rescued over 150 hostages from a train hijacked by BLA militants in Balochistan. The operation led to the death of 27 militants, while the situation remains critical with ongoing threats from the hijackers.
Key Takeaways
- Over 150 hostages rescued by security forces.
- 27 BLA militants neutralized during operations.
- Temporary medical facilities established for rescued passengers.
- Ongoing threats from militants, including potential executions.
- Emergency response teams deployed at railway stations.
Islamabad, March 12 (NationPress) - Pakistani security forces have successfully rescued over 150 hostages after militants from the Baloch Liberation Army (BLA) commandeered a train with more than 400 passengers in the Kacchi district of Balochistan, according to sources.
To date, 27 militants involved in the hijacking of the Jaffar Express have been eliminated during the security operations, as per the reports.
The security forces executed a rescue operation and freed 155 hostages, including numerous women and children, following a gunfight with the militants. The rescued individuals have been transported to Mach, a nearby town, where a temporary medical facility has been established to offer assistance.
It remains uncertain how many hostages are still on the Jaffar Express. Although the BLA has refuted claims of their casualties, they assert they have killed 30 soldiers, a statement not verified by Pakistani officials.
Sources further indicated that BLA militants are in contact with their supporters in Afghanistan.
The ongoing rescue operation has led to reports that suicide bombers are retaining some hostages in close proximity.
The military action forced the militants to scatter into smaller factions, resulting in a firefight between the security personnel and the attackers.
The Jaffar Express was ambushed by armed militants inside a tunnel while traveling from Quetta to Peshawar. The assailants detonated the tracks, causing the train to stop, and fatally shot the locomotive driver.
At least 400 passengers were aboard the nine-car train, which resumed operations after a month-long suspension.
The BLA, recognized as the most formidable separatist group in Balochistan, swiftly claimed responsibility for the hijacking and demanded the release of Baloch political detainees and missing persons, asserting that they have been forcibly taken by the Pakistani military.
The militant faction imposed a 48-hour ultimatum, warning they would “completely destroy” the train if their demands are unmet. They also threatened to execute 10 hostages in retaliation for the military action.
In the meantime, the military has established emergency response centers at Peshawar and Quetta railway stations to assist families of those still held captive.
The situation remains extremely critical, sources report.
Pakistani security forces have encountered substantial opposition from separatist factions like the BLA in Balochistan, which has been executing targeted assaults and killings of security personnel from various provinces, particularly Punjab.
The regions of Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) are among the most unstable areas in the country, where militant groups continuously carry out targeted strikes on security forces.
Pakistan asserts that these militant organizations receive substantial support from across the border in Afghanistan, with the Taliban regime allegedly aiding, funding, and sheltering anti-Pakistan elements and promoting unrest within the nation.
