Islamabad: Pakistan’s security forces have rescued 155 passengers from a hijacked train after a dramatic confrontation with separatist fighters in Balochistan.
The attack on the Jaffar Express, which was traveling from Quetta to Peshawar, was claimed by the Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA), a group seeking the province’s independence from Pakistan.
Security officials described the ongoing counteroperation as ‘complex,’ as clashes with the armed group intensified near Sibi city, approximately 160 km (100 miles) from Quetta. According to official sources, 27 BLA fighters were killed in the military response, while at least 10 passengers, including the train driver, lost their lives.
Several passengers were released by the attackers, with some making their way safely to a nearby station. Military personnel, coordinating with railway officials, later transported them to Mach, a larger station in the region. However, with the train originally carrying more than 400 passengers, over 200 individuals remain in captivity as security forces continue their operation.
The Jaffar Express, carrying 426 ticketed passengers, departed Quetta at 9:00 AM local time (04:00 GMT) on Tuesday. The long-haul train was set to cover more than 1,600 km (994 miles), traveling through Punjab before reaching Peshawar in a journey of approximately 30 hours.
The assault occurred at around 1:00 PM (08:00 GMT) as the train passed through the mountainous Bolan Pass, home to tunnels originally built during British colonial rule.
The Pakistani government strongly condemned the attack. Security forces claim the attackers are using women and children as human shields, complicating efforts to launch a full-scale offensive.
