Pakistan train hijack: 16 militants killed, 104 hostages rescued
What's the story
Security forces in Pakistan have rescued 104 hostages from the Jaffar Express train that was hijacked by separatist militants in Balochistan's Bolan Pass.
The Baloch Liberation Army (BLA) had claimed responsibility for the attack and threatened to execute hostages if military operations did not stop.
In response to the attack, security forces launched a counter-operation, killing 16 militants.
Attack details
BLA militants ambushed Jaffar Express train
The Jaffar Express was on its regular run from Quetta to Peshawar when armed men, later identified as BLA militants, attacked it on Tuesday. It was carrying around 400 passengers in nine bogies.
The assailants forcefully stopped the train inside a tunnel and took passengers hostage, using women and children as human shields.
The train driver sustained serious injuries in the initial assault.
Rescue mission
Security forces launched high-risk operation
Forces launched a high-risk operation, successfully rescuing 104 hostages—58 men, 31 women, and 15 children.
A security source was quoted saying, "In the gun battle, which is still ongoing, 16 militants have been killed and many others injured."
Some of the insurgents, desperate to escape, split into smaller groups and fled into the mountains.
Seventeen injured passengers were rushed to nearby hospitals for urgent treatment.
Militants's statement
BLA claims to have repelled military's ground assault
In a statement, the BLA said they had "completely repelled the Pakistani military's ground assault following the seizure of Jaffar Express."
They warned of "severe consequences" if authorities tried to rescue hostages and threatened to execute all 100+ hostages within an hour unless aerial bombardment was stopped.
The group also claimed to have killed 20 soldiers and shot down a drone during the attack.
History of unrest
Balochistan has long been a flashpoint for separatist insurgency
Balochistan has been rich in oil and minerals but has long been a flashpoint for separatist insurgency.
The region has witnessed decades of unrest, with militants regularly attacking security forces, Chinese nationals, and key infrastructure, including railways.
Earlier in November, a suicide bombing at Quetta railway station killed 26 people and injured over 40 others.