Pakistani Forces Free Train Hostages, Eliminate Separatist Militants in Daring Rescue Operation

Hostages Freed, Militants Killed

Pakistani forces successfully freed all remaining passengers from a train hijacked by separatist militants. The militants, wearing explosive-filled vests, had taken hundreds of hostages and killed 21 of them.

The Baloch Liberation Army (BLA) claimed responsibility for the attack, demanding the release of Baloch political prisoners. However, the Pakistani military eliminated all 33 terrorists, including suicide bombers, and rescued the hostages in a phased manner.

Over 400 people were on board the Jaffar Express when it was attacked in a remote mountainous district of Balochistan. The militants blew up the railway track and opened fire, killing 11 people. They then took passengers hostage, separating law enforcement personnel and taking them into the mountains.

The rescue operation was conducted cautiously due to the hostages being used as human shields. The BLA claimed to have released women, children, sick individuals, and Baloch civilians, but the Pakistani military confirmed the release of all hostages.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif condemned the attack, calling it a "cowardly act" and stating that the fight against terrorism will continue. The train remained stuck in the tunnel while security forces cordoned off the area.

The BLA seeks independence for Balochistan, a resource-rich province bordering Afghanistan and Iran. The conflict has been fueled by the establishment's anti-democratic stance, U.S. activities in Afghanistan, and rampant terrorism in Pakistan.

Militant violence has surged in Balochistan since the Taliban's return to power in Afghanistan. Pakistan and Afghanistan accuse each other of supporting anti-government insurgencies.

The Pakistani military stated that intelligence reports confirmed the attack was orchestrated from Afghanistan, and they expect the interim government to deny the use of its soil for such activities.

China condemned the attack and pledged continued support for Pakistan's counterterrorism efforts. The Pakistani military vowed to bring anyone who aided the attack to justice.