Pakistani security forces have killed 27 terrorists and rescued 155 passengers in an ongoing operation following a train attack in Balochistan’s Kacchi district, security sources confirmed on Wednesday morning.
The attack occurred on Tuesday when the Jaffar Express, carrying approximately 450 passengers in nine bogies, was travelling from Quetta to Peshawar. An unknown number of terrorists stormed the train, taking several passengers hostage.
Security sources reported that the operation to eliminate the terrorists is still underway.
“The terrorists have split into small groups, using hostages as human shields to hinder our efforts,” one source said.
“The terrorists, wearing explosive vests, have positioned suicide bombers near innocent hostages, making the rescue operation increasingly challenging,” the source added.
BLA Claims Responsibility, Issues Ultimatum
The Baloch Liberation Army (BLA), an ethnic armed group, claimed responsibility for the attack. The group issued a 48-hour ultimatum, threatening to execute hostages unless Baloch political prisoners, activists, and individuals it claims were abducted by the military were released.
On Tuesday, the BLA stated it was holding 214 hostages. A security source told Reuters that 425 passengers were on board when the attack occurred. The exact number of militants involved remains unclear, but as of Wednesday, 27 had been killed.
The BLA is the largest of several ethnic armed groups fighting against the Pakistani government in the mineral-rich province of Balochistan, which shares borders with Afghanistan and Iran.
Security Forces Intensify Operation
Security sources revealed that the terrorists are in contact with their facilitators in Afghanistan, coordinating their actions as Pakistani forces intensify efforts to neutralise them and ensure the safe recovery of the remaining hostages.
“The noose around the terrorists has tightened, and the operation will continue until the last terrorist is eliminated,” the source added.
Railway officials confirmed that 57 rescued passengers were transported to Quetta in the early hours of Wednesday, while 23 others remained in Mach, a town in Balochistan.
Balochistan Declares Emergency
In response to the crisis, the Balochistan government declared an emergency, mobilising all relevant institutions to manage the situation, according to provincial spokesperson Shahid Rind.
“A relief train, along with security reinforcements, has been despatched to assist in the rescue operation,” Rind stated.
Emergency measures have also been enforced at Sibi and Civil Hospital Quetta to provide immediate medical aid to those affected.
Eyewitness Account & Attack Details
Senior Pakistan Railways official Muhammad Kashif provided further details of the attack.
“The attack occurred in a mountainous region where communication is severely restricted due to the lack of mobile service,” Kashif explained.
“In the last contact with the train, the driver reported that an explosion hit the railway track, forcing the train to stop. Immediately after, the militants opened heavy fire, injuring the driver and several passengers.”
Prime Minister Condemns Attack, Lauds Security Forces
Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif strongly condemned the attack, praising security forces for their bravery and professionalism.
“Despite the difficult terrain, the morale of the security forces remains high. We will continue this war against terrorism until this menace is completely eradicated from the country,” Sharif declared.
He further vowed to thwart any attempts to destabilise Pakistan.
“Every conspiracy aimed at spreading unrest and chaos will be foiled. We will never allow the evil intentions of anti-state elements to succeed.”
The proscribed Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA) reiterated its claim of responsibility in a statement on a social media platform.
The operation remains ongoing as security forces work to secure the area and rescue any remaining hostages.
