Pakistani security forces rescued 155 passengers and neutralized 27 militants during a high-stakes operation to free a train hijacked by Baloch insurgents in the mountainous Bolan area of Balochistan.
The operation, which began Tuesday afternoon, continued into its second day on Wednesday as forces battled the rebels amid challenging terrain.
The Jaffar Express, carrying approximately 500 passengers across nine coaches, was en route from Quetta to Peshawar when armed militants intercepted it near Gudalar and Piru Kunri tunnels.
The Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA), a banned separatist group, claimed responsibility for the attack, which left 37 passengers injured.
Security officials revealed that militants positioned suicide bombers wearing explosive vests close to hostages, including women and children, complicating the rescue effort.
Using the hostages as human shields, the insurgents threatened dire consequences should security forces launch an operation.
Despite these challenges, forces rescued the majority of the passengers while surrounding the tunnels to prevent the militants’ escape.
“The operation is being conducted with extreme caution due to the presence of women and children,” officials stated, adding that security forces are working to free the remaining hostages.
The BLA claimed to have derailed the train and killed six security personnel, a claim disputed by Pakistani officials.
Minister of State for Interior Talal Chaudhry confirmed that hostages were freed through the military’s intervention, not voluntarily released by the rebels.
Emergency response desks have been set up at Peshawar and Quetta railway stations, where worried relatives anxiously await news of their loved ones.
The Bolan region, characterised by its rugged terrain and 17 railway tunnels, has long been a hotspot for militant activity.
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This incident marks another violent escalation in Balochistan, which has experienced a surge in attacks targeting infrastructure and security personnel.
The Balochistan Liberation Army, which opposes government projects like the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), remains a persistent threat in the region.
The attack underscores the province’s ongoing security challenges and the need for enhanced measures to combat insurgency.
As the operation continues, authorities remain committed to safely rescuing all remaining hostages and neutralizing the insurgents.
