Quetta, Pakistan – More than 300 hostages have been rescued by Pakistan’s army from a passenger train seized by militants in Balochistan province. The dramatic operation led to the death of 33 militants, while 21 civilians and four military personnel were tragically killed by the Baloch Liberation Army (BLA) before the rescue mission commenced.
The military spokesperson mentioned that the operation to rescue the hostages was successful, but the search operation in the area is ongoing to ensure there are no remaining threats. Reports indicate that around 440 passengers were on board the train when it came under attack. Efforts are being made to locate and assist those passengers who managed to escape and seek refuge in the surrounding area during the chaotic incident.
The BLA has been labeled as a terrorist organization by Pakistani authorities and various Western nations, including the UK and US. The group, advocating for greater autonomy or independence for Balochistan, accuses Islamabad of exploiting the province’s resources while neglecting its development. Previous attacks by the BLA targeted military installations, railway stations, and trains, but the hijacking of a train represents a significant escalation.
During the hijacking, the militants detonated a section of the tracks and unleashed a barrage of gunfire near a mountain tunnel, creating a scene described by eyewitnesses as catastrophic. Passengers had difficulty communicating with authorities due to the lack of internet or mobile coverage in the remote area. Some individuals who managed to escape the train had to trek for hours to reach the nearest railway station.
Helicopters and a deployment of hundreds of troops were instrumental in rescuing the hostages, with over 100 passengers liberated within a short period of time after the operation. The military spokesperson has reassured that all individuals involved in the attack will face justice for their actions. The incident sheds light on the ongoing challenges and security threats faced by authorities in the restive region of Balochistan.