Pakistan’s military has announced the rescue of over 300 hostages from a passenger train seized by militants in Balochistan province on Tuesday.
A military spokesperson confirmed that 33 militants were killed during the rescue operation.
Prior to the military intervention, the Baloch Liberation Army (BLA) killed 21 civilian hostages and four military personnel, according to the spokesperson. These figures have not been independently verified by the BBC.
The military is continuing its search operation in the area to ensure no further threats remain.
Approximately 440 passengers were on board the train when it was attacked. Security officials have suggested that some militants may have fled into the surrounding mountainous area with an unknown number of passengers.
The military is working to locate those who escaped during the attack, but the number of unaccounted-for passengers remains unclear.
The BLA, designated a terrorist organisation by Pakistan and several Western nations, seeks greater autonomy or independence for Balochistan. They accuse the government of exploiting the province’s resources while neglecting its development.
This is the first time the BLA has hijacked a train, though they have previously attacked military camps, railway stations, and trains. Officials say at least 100 of the passengers were security personnel.
The militants had threatened to kill hostages if Baloch political prisoners were not released within 48 hours. During the attack, they detonated explosives on the tracks and opened fire on the train near a mountain tunnel.
Eyewitnesses described “doomsday scenes” on board, with passenger Ishaq Noor telling the BBC, “We held our breath throughout the firing, not knowing what would happen next.”
Communication with passengers was difficult due to the remote location’s lack of internet and mobile coverage. Some passengers walked for nearly four hours to reach the nearest railway station.
Helicopters and hundreds of troops were deployed for the rescue operation. The hijacking lasted over 30 hours, and information has been tightly controlled.
A military spokesperson stated that those involved in the attack will be brought to justice.
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