The Pakistan Army successfully freed over 300 hostages from a passenger train hijacked by militants in Balochistan. The rescue mission, which lasted more than 30 hours, resulted in 33 militants killed. However, before the operation began, the attackers executed 21 civilians and four military personnel, according to the military.
Terror on the Train
The hijacking took place on Tuesday when militants from the Baloch Liberation Army (BLA) ambushed the train carrying approximately 440 passengers. The militants blew up sections of the railway tracks and opened fire near a mountain tunnel, causing chaos. Passengers described horrific scenes as gunfire echoed through the train.
One survivor, Ishaq Noor, recalled holding his breath in fear, uncertain of what would happen next. Many passengers fled into the rugged terrain, seeking safety, while militants reportedly took some hostages into the mountains.
Hostage Crisis and Militant Demands
The BLA demanded the release of Baloch political prisoners, threatening to execute hostages if their demands were not met within 48 hours. The Pakistani government, along with Western nations like the US and UK, has classified the BLA as a terrorist organization due to its history of attacks on military bases, railway stations, and infrastructure.
Read: Passengers Recall ‘Doomsday Scenes’ on Hijacked Train in Balochistan
Rescue Mission and Army Response
The military launched a massive rescue operation, deploying helicopters and hundreds of troops. Soldiers stormed the train and engaged the militants in fierce combat. By Wednesday morning, more than 100 passengers had been freed, and by the end of the operation, over 300 hostages were safe.
However, some passengers remain missing. Security forces continue searching the mountainous region to locate any remaining hostages or fleeing militants. Officials believe that some attackers escaped with hostages, complicating the situation further.
Survivors’ Struggle for Safety
In the immediate aftermath, communication was nearly impossible due to a lack of mobile or internet coverage in the remote area. Passengers who managed to escape walked for hours to reach the nearest railway station.
Muhammad Ashraf, a survivor traveling to Lahore from Quetta, described the exhausting journey. He and other survivors, including women and children, struggled to reach safety after fleeing the train.
Pakistan Vows Justice
The army has vowed to bring all attackers to justice, ensuring that those responsible face the consequences. Officials are closely monitoring the situation, as tensions remain high in Balochistan, where separatist groups have long demanded greater autonomy.
This brazen train hijacking marks a dangerous escalation in militant attacks. The successful rescue operation highlights Pakistan’s military strength, but the search for missing passengers and militants continues.
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