In a high-stakes military operation, the Pakistan Army successfully freed more than 300 hostages from a passenger train that had been hijacked by militants in Balochistan province on Tuesday. The train, carrying approximately 440 passengers, was attacked by armed fighters from the Baloch Liberation Army (BLA), marking the first-ever train hijacking by the group.
The military spokesperson revealed that the operation led to the elimination of 33 militants. However, before the intervention began, the militants had already killed 21 civilian hostages and four military personnel. These figures have not yet been independently verified by international media, and it remains unclear how many passengers are still unaccounted for.
The Baloch Liberation Army, a separatist militant group, carried out the audacious attack in a region notorious for insurgent activities. The attackers blew up a section of the railway tracks and opened fire on the train, trapping the passengers inside. The location of the attack—a remote mountainous area—made it particularly challenging for authorities to respond quickly.
Survivors described horrifying moments as gunmen stormed the train, taking control and issuing demands. One passenger, Ishaq Noor, recalled the terrifying ordeal, stating:
“We held our breath throughout the firing, not knowing what would happen next.”
According to the military spokesperson, the militants had issued a 48-hour ultimatum, threatening to execute hostages unless the government released Baloch political prisoners. Given the presence of at least 100 security personnel among the passengers, the situation became even more comple
Officials faced significant obstacles in handling the crisis due to the train’s remote location. The area lacks mobile and internet connectivity, making real-time communication with passengers almost impossible. As the attack unfolded, some passengers managed to escape and flee into the surrounding mountainous terrain. However, authorities suspect that some militants may have also abducted hostages and retreated into the mountains, adding another layer of difficulty to the rescue mission.
Eyewitnesses recounted scenes of panic and devastation, with families desperately trying to shield their children from the gunfire. Some survivors, including Muhammad Ashraf, who was traveling from Quetta to Lahore, managed to reach safety after walking for nearly four hours to the nearest railway station.
“We reached the station with great difficulty because we were tired, and there were children and women with us,” he told the BBC.
In response to the crisis, the Pakistan Army launched an extensive counterterrorism operation, deploying hundreds of troops and military helicopters. The operation lasted over 30 hours, during which specialized military units worked systematically to neutralize the militants and ensure the safe evacuation of hostages.
By Wednesday morning, over 100 passengers had already been freed, with the remaining hostages successfully rescued by the final phase of the operation. The military continues to search the area, ensuring that no remaining threats persist and locating any passengers who may have fled during the attack.
The Baloch Liberation Army (BLA), which claimed responsibility for the attack, is a separatist militant organization advocating for greater autonomy or full independence for Balochistan, Pakistan’s largest and most resource-rich province. The group accuses the Pakistani government of exploiting the province’s vast mineral resources while neglecting its socioeconomic development.
Over the years, the BLA has conducted numerous attacks on military facilities, railway stations, and government infrastructure. However, this train hijacking marks a new and alarming escalation in their tactics. Pakistan, along with Western nations including the UK and the US, has designated the BLA as a terrorist organization.
Authorities have maintained tight control over information related to the hijacking and subsequent rescue mission. A military spokesperson affirmed that the operation was a success, and vowed that all individuals involved in the attack would be brought to justice.
Security experts believe this incident signals a potential shift in militant operations within Balochistan, prompting the government to reevaluate its counterterrorism strategies. Given the brazen nature of this attack, enhanced security measures on railway routes and key infrastructure projects are likely to be implemented in the coming months.
The rescue of more than 300 hostages represents a significant victory for Pakistan’s military forces, but the attack also highlights the persistent threat posed by insurgent groups in the region. The search for remaining passengers and possible kidnapped hostages continues, as authorities remain on high alert for any future militant activity.
