Pakistan Rescues 346 Hostages, Kills 33 Militants After Deadly Train Hijack in Balochistan

Pakistani security forces concluded a rescue operation on Wednesday night after separatist militants from the Baloch Liberation Army (BLA) hijacked the Jaffar Express train in Balochistan province. The operation resulted in the deaths of all 33 militants involved and the liberation of 346 hostages. The attack, which began on March 11, saw the train, carrying approximately 440 passengers, stopped by explosives on the railway tracks in a mountainous area, specifically within a tunnel. The BLA claimed responsibility for the attack, stating they had killed 21 hostages, including 27 off-duty soldiers, and four security troops, including one paramilitary soldier, during the standoff. The militants, wearing suicide vests, had threatened to execute hostages if their demands for the release of Baloch political prisoners were not met within 48 hours. The military operation involved a significant deployment of forces, including the air force and special commandos, to neutralize the threat and secure the release of the hostages. Special forces targeted the suicide bombers first, allowing troops to move from carriage to carriage to eliminate the remaining militants, who used hostages as human shields. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif condemned the attack and is scheduled to visit the region. Rescued hostages received treatment in Quetta. The incident has highlighted ongoing security challenges in Balochistan, where separatist groups demand greater autonomy and a share of the region's natural resources.