In a massive operation in Balochistan, Pakistani forces liberated more than 300 captives from a militant-held passenger train. The operation ended a more than 30-hour standoff, and the army reported that 33 insurgents were killed.
Officials claim that the Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA) murdered four soldiers and 21 civilians before military intervention. Security personnel are still scouring the area to ensure survivors are not in danger from lingering threats.
The attack began when armed militants stormed the train near a mountain tunnel, blowing up a section of the tracks and opening fire. At least 440 passengers, including more than 100 security personnel, were on board.
Some militants reportedly fled into the mountainous terrain, possibly taking hostages with them. Officials say some passengers managed to escape but remain unaccounted for. Eyewitnesses described harrowing scenes as gunfire echoed through the train cars.
Many disembarked and walked for hours through rugged terrain to reach safety. While traveling to Lahore, Muhammad Ashraf described the journey as exhausting, especially for women and children.
Communication with passengers proved challenging due to the remote locations’ lack of internet and mobile coverage. Helicopters and hundreds of troops deployed to the scene, securing the release of more than 100 passengers by Wednesday morning.
The military assured the public that anyone responsible for the Train Hijacked by BLA would face justice. The BLA, which Pakistan and several Western nations classify as a terrorist organization, has a history of attacking military bases, railway stations, and infrastructures.
However, this marked the first time the group had hijacked a train. Militants had demanded the release of Baloch political prisoners within 48 hours, threatening to execute hostages.
