Pakistan Forces Continue Operation to Free Hundreds of Hostages from Hijacked TrainHijackedTrain
The separatist group also threatened to begin executing hostages
- Pakistani security forces have successfully rescued 155 passengers from a hijacked train
- As of now, at least 27 rebels have been killed during the operation
- The incident has raised alarm over the escalating separatist violence in Balochistan
Pakistani security forces have successfully rescued 155 passengers from a train hijacked by separatist forces, with operations continuing to free the remaining 300 hostages still held captive aboard the train.
The military launched a major operation on Wednesday in response to the Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA) seizure of the train on Tuesday.
The train, which was carrying approximately 450 passengers, including military personnel, was attacked while traveling through the remote and volatile region of Balochistan.
The BLA, which seeks independence for the region, is believed to be holding the remaining hostages. The operation to free them is ongoing, with security forces taking a cautious approach due to the presence of BLA fighters wearing explosive vests.
As of now, at least 27 rebels have been killed during the operation, but the total number of casualties among soldiers, passengers, and fighters remains unclear. Pakistani authorities are working to gather more information on the situation.
The BLA has claimed responsibility for the hijacking and has made a series of demands, including the release of Baloch political prisoners and activists they claim were abducted by the military. The separatist group also threatened to begin executing hostages unless their conditions were met within 48 hours.
The incident has raised alarm over the escalating separatist violence in Balochistan, a region that has long been a flashpoint for tensions between the central government and local independence movements.
