Pakistan Army Rescues Over 300 Hostages from Balochistan Train Hijack

Following the hijacking of a passenger train in Balochistan by militants, the Pakistani army conducted a rescue operation, freeing over 300 hostages after more than 30 hours of siege. The military reported that 33 militants were killed and that they continue to search the area for any remaining threats.

Pakistan's military announced that it successfully freed more than 300 hostages from a passenger train that was captured by militants in Balochistan province on Tuesday. According to military sources, the operation resulted in the deaths of 33 militants. Unfortunately, prior to the rescue, the Baloch Liberation Army (BLA) had already taken the lives of 21 civilian hostages and four military personnel. These casualty figures remain unverified by external sources, including the BBC.

The train, which was reportedly carrying around 440 passengers, was attacked in a mountainous region prone to such violence. Officials suggested that some militants may have escaped the train and could still be holding additional hostages in the surrounding areas. The military stated its continued commitment to neutralizing any remaining threats and searching for those who may be unaccounted for.

The BLA, recognized as a terrorist organization by both the Pakistani authorities and several Western nations, has long been engaged in a struggle for greater autonomy or full independence for Balochistan, which is rich in natural resources. They accuse the Pakistani government of exploiting these resources while ignoring the needs of local residents. This hijacking marks a notable escalation in their operations, as prior assaults involved military installations and public transport, but never a full train takeover.

During the assault, militants activated explosives on part of the tracks and opened fire on the train itself. Eyewitness accounts detail chaotic scenes, with one passenger describing the situation as "doomsday." Communication during the assault was hindered due to the remote location's lack of mobile and internet connectivity, complicating efforts for passengers to reach safety.

Responding to the crisis, authorities deployed helicopters and hundreds of troops for the rescue operation. By Wednesday morning, over 100 passengers had already been freed, with reports indicating that the hijacking endured for more than 30 hours. Throughout this crisis, the flow of information has been carefully managed, with military spokespeople promising that those responsible will be held accountable for their actions.