Pakistani Forces Rescue 155 Hostages from Hijacked Train as Standoff Continues
Pakistani security forces have rescued 155 hostages from a train hijacked by separatist militants in Balochistan, with operations ongoing to free hundreds more. The Baloch Liberation Army (BLA) stormed the Jaffar Express on Tuesday, blowing up a railway track and opening fire as it traveled from Quetta to Peshawar. The BLA, which seeks independence from Islamabad, claimed responsibility, demanding the release of Baloch political prisoners within 48 hours. Officials report at least 27 militants have been killed, but the number of casualties among passengers and soldiers remain unclear. "I can't find the words to describe how we managed to escape. It was terrifying," said freed hostage Muhammad Bilal.
The train remains stranded near a tunnel in the remote Sibi district, surrounded by armed BLA fighters, some wearing explosive vests. A security source stated that bombers in "suicide jackets" were positioned near the hostages, making rescue efforts extremely dangerous. Among those released, 17 injured passengers have been hospitalized, while others remain in the militants' control. Families of those still held captive anxiously await updates.
The BLA has a long history of targeting infrastructure, military personnel, and non-Baloch civilians, expressing grievances over the region’s resources being exploited by outsiders. In recent years, attacks on trains and highways have escalated, with previous incidents resulting in mass casualties. Pakistan, the UK, and the US have designated the BLA as a terrorist organization. While the Pakistani government has condemned the attack, there has been no official response to the militants’ demands.
