Pakistan security forces have rescued 155 passengers from a train that was traveling from Quetta to Peshawar and was hijacked by separatist militants on Tuesday. Jaffar Express came under attack in the Dhadar area of Bolan Pass.
About 27 terrorists belonging to the Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA) were killed. The militants took more than 400 passengers hostage, including security personnel, in nine bogies. Describing the rescue efforts as complex, Pakistani officials confirmed that 27 militants had been neutralized and 10 passengers, including the train driver, were killed.
There are also reports of a large group of armed attackers, carrying automatic weapons and rocket launchers sheltered in the nearby mountains. They have damaged the railway line with explosives. The state media said terrorists have split into small groups because of security forces’ operation.
BLA Has Suicide Bombers Positioned Pakistan Train Hostages
The BLA terrorists are said to be in contact with their facilitators in Afghanistan. They have positioned suicide bombers wearing explosive vests close to some hostages. Pakistan officials said the terrorists anticipate possible defeat and are using innocent people as human shields.
They highlighted that the suicide bombers have taken women and children hostage at three different locations. As such, the security forces are conducting the operation with utmost caution. Moreover, the remoteness of the area is a big challenge.
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BLA Warns of Severe Consequences
The BLA, in an official statement, claimed to have killed at least six Pakistani military personnel and blown up the railway track. The group warned that any military operation would have severe sequences. It has given the Pakistani government a 48-hour ultimatum for the unconditional release of Baloch political prisoners, forcibly disappeared persons, and national resistance activists. However, the government and the Pakistani military have not released any official statement about the terrorist group’s demands.
Pakistan President Asif Ali Zardari condemned BLA saying Baloch nation rejects those who attack and take hostages innocent passengers. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said the beast terrorists did not deserve any concession.
