Pakistan train hijack: All hostages freed, dozens of rebels killed
What's the story
All train passengers held hostage by gunmen in a deadly siege in Pakistan have been released, according to an army official.
The Jaffar Express train, with over 450 passengers on board, was seized by Baloch rebels in the southwestern Pakistani province of Balochistan on Tuesday afternoon.
The Baloch Liberation Army (BLA) immediately claimed responsibility for the attack and issued a statement, demanding the release of Baloch political prisoners within 48 hours or they would kill hostages.
Operation details
Rebels used hostages as human shields
The update came after Pakistan's security forces reported on Wednesday morning that they had freed roughly 190 hostages.
By evening, officials said that dozens of insurgents had been killed as military and security forces started an air and ground attack to retake control.
They added that the isolated, hazardous terrain hampered communication and mobilization efforts.
On top of it, the BLA had allegedly stationed suicide bombers in explosive vests next to some of the hostages, using them as human shields.
Casualties
33 militants were killed
According to a military spokesperson, 33 militants were slain during the operation.
Conversely, other military sources claimed that all rebels involved in the train hijacking were killed.
The spokesperson also claimed that the BLA executed 21 civilian captives and four military men before the operation began.
However, an official confirmation by the Pakistan government regarding the death toll is awaited.
PM
70 to 80 militants involved in the attack
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, in his first statement since the hijacking, condemned the "dastardly act" and offered condolences to the families of those killed.
He also wrote that "dozens of the terrorists have been sent to hell."
While the number of militants involved in the attack is unknown, state Minister for Interior Talal Chaudhry told local broadcaster Geo News that some 70 to 80 were involved.
Previous attacks
BLA's recent history of attacks
The BLA is the largest among several ethnic militant groups that have fought a decades-long insurgency against the Pakistani government, demanding independence for the resource-rich Balochistan province.
The group has claimed several deadly attacks in recent months, including a bombing at Quetta's main railway station in November that killed 26, and an attack on seven Punjabi travelers in February.