Pakistan security forces freed 155 hostages and neutralized 27 rebels during a train hijacking incident
In a significant development, at least 155 hostages have been released following a hijacking incident involving armed rebels on a train with over 400 passengers in the restive Balochistan region of Pakistan on Tuesday.
Authorities have reported that a group of rescued passengers, comprising 58 men, 31 women, and 15 children, have been transported to the nearby town of Mach. In this location, a temporary medical facility has been established to provide care. The number of hostages still on board remains unclear at this time.
The Jaffar Express, traveling from Quetta to Peshawar, came under assault by armed assailants while passing through a tunnel in a secluded region. This route had only recently resumed operation following a month-long suspension. An intense overnight confrontation ensued between the Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA) and Pakistani forces, resulting in the deaths of no fewer than 27 BLA rebels.
Hostages liberated from a train standoff in southwestern Pakistan on Tuesday recounted their arduous journey to safety, describing how they traversed hours of mountainous terrain. The individuals reported being compelled to leave behind family members as they became separated during the escape.
In a remote region of Balochistan, insurgents seeking independence from the Pakistani government detonated explosives on a railway track, resulting in the immobilization of a train and the capture of over 450 passengers.
Muhammad Bilal expressed his relief to AFP, stating, “It is difficult to articulate the manner in which we managed to escape; the experience was truly harrowing.”
