Pakistani security forces have successfully rescued 155 passengers from a hijacked train in Balochistan.
Pakistani train, carrying around 450 passengers, including army personnel and their families, was hijacked by over 100 gunmen from the separatist Baloch Liberation Army (BLA) on Tuesday afternoon.
The hijacking occurred in the remote Sibi district of Balochistan, a region that has witnessed a surge in violence in recent years. The BLA, fighting for independence, has previously targeted trains and buses carrying security personnel. The group has also been involved in attacks on gas pipeline and other infrastructure projects
A full-scale military operation was launched to rescue the hostages. Pakistani elite commandos, backed by air power, took part in the operation. The military reported that 27 terrorists were killed, and several others injured. The operation is ongoing, with security forces working to rescue the remaining hostages.
At least 10 people, including the train driver, were killed in the gun battle. The train and surrounding infrastructure suffered significant damage.
The BLA claimed responsibility for the attack, demanding a prisoner exchange and threatening to kill hostages if the operation continued. They accused the Pakistani government of exploiting the region’s resources and ignoring local rights.
The incident highlights ongoing security challenges in Balochistan, where separatist groups fight for independence. The region is home to major infrastructure projects, including the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), targeted by militants.
Meanwhile, the international community has condemned the hijacking, expressing support for Pakistan’s efforts to rescue hostages. The incident raised concerns about infrastructure project security and the need for cooperation to address terrorism.
The Baloch Liberation Army (BLA) is a separatist group operating in Balochistan, a province in southwestern Pakistan. The group fights for independence, citing grievances against the Pakistani government’s handling of the region’s resources and rights.