Daijiworld Media Network- Islamabad
Islamabad, Mar 12: At least 16 militants were killed and 104 passengers rescued by security forces after Baloch insurgents hijacked a passenger train in Pakistan’s restive Balochistan province on Tuesday, officials confirmed.
The incident occurred when the Jaffar Express, carrying around 400 passengers in nine bogies, was en route from Quetta to Peshawar. Armed men intercepted the train inside a tunnel near the mountainous terrain of Gudalar and Piru Kunri, taking several passengers hostage. The Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA) later claimed responsibility for the attack.
Security officials stated that an intense gun battle between the militants and security forces is still underway. “So far, 16 militants have been killed, and many others have been injured. The rescue operation will continue until all passengers are safely evacuated,” a security source said.
Among the 104 passengers rescued, 58 are men, 31 women, and 15 children. They were transported to Mach town in Kachhi district by another train. However, reports suggest that the militants have taken some hostages into the mountains, with security forces pursuing them in the dark.
“The militants have now split into smaller groups to evade capture, but the tunnel is surrounded, and the remaining passengers will be rescued soon,” the source added.
Balochistan government spokesperson Shahid Rind confirmed that military troops and security personnel had reached the rugged terrain where the attack occurred shortly after railway authorities raised an alarm. Reports from Pakistani media indicated intense firing and explosions near the tunnel during the operation.
Emergency desks have been set up at Peshawar and Quetta Railway Stations to assist frantic relatives seeking information about their loved ones.
Rana Muhammad Dilawar, the district police officer in the affected region, confirmed that four to five government officials were also on board the train. There were unverified reports that some women and children had been taken hostage by the militants.
Meanwhile, railway officials urged people not to fall for rumors circulating on social media regarding the attack.
This is the latest in a series of violent incidents targeting railway services in the province. In November last year, a suicide bomber killed 26 people and injured 62 others at Quetta railway station, leading to a temporary suspension of several train services.
The security operation in Balochistan remains ongoing as authorities work to ensure the safe evacuation of the remaining passengers.