Pak Forces neutralizes 27 terrorists, rescue 155 hostages in Balochistan Train Op

Karachi/Islamabad, Mar 12: Pakistani security forces have killed at least 27 militants and rescued 155 passengers from a train hijacked by Baloch insurgents in the Balochistan province on Wednesday. The hijacking incident, which took place on Tuesday afternoon, involved the Jaffar Express, a train with around 500 passengers traveling from Quetta to Peshawar.

The train was intercepted by armed men in a tunnel near the mountainous terrain of Gudalar and Piru Kunri in the Bolan area, which is known for its difficult and slow-moving railway track. The Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA) later claimed responsibility for the attack.

During the ongoing rescue operation, security forces confirmed that 37 passengers were injured, and they have been sent for medical treatment. The militants reportedly used innocent hostages, including women and children, as human shields, with suicide bombers positioned near them in three separate locations. Due to this, the operation is being conducted with utmost caution.

Security sources revealed that the forces have surrounded the area and managed to rescue 150 passengers, including women and children. The militants have reportedly formed small groups to escape in the dark, but the security forces are continuing to eliminate the remaining terrorists.

The BLA claimed responsibility for the hijacking and stated that it had derailed the train and killed six security personnel. The insurgent group also warned that if military operations were launched, all hostages would be executed. However, Pakistani officials have disputed the rebel claims, with Minister of State for Interior Talal Chaudhry stating that the hostages were freed by security forces.

Balochistan, which borders Iran and Afghanistan, has seen a rise in terrorist attacks in recent years, with insurgent groups targeting government personnel, security forces, and projects related to the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC). This attack comes on the heels of several similar incidents, including a deadly suicide bombing in Quetta in November 2024.

The situation remains tense as security forces continue their efforts to rescue the remaining passengers and neutralize the threat.