Pakistan Train Hijack: 104 Passengers Rescued, 16 Militants Killed As Security Forces Continue Rescue Operation

After the Baloch Liberation Army hijacked the Jaffar Express in Pakistan, security forces have managed to rescue 104 passengers on board the train. During this rescue operation, a gunfight broke out between security forces and BLA militants, resulting in the death of 16 militants.

“According to security sources, terrorists split into small groups due to security forces’ operation. Injured passengers have been shifted to nearby hospital while additional security squads are taking part in the operation in the area,” the Pakistani report added further.

Of the 104 rescued, 58 men, 31 women and 15 children.

Rescue Operation Continues

At the time of the attack, around 400 passengers were believed to be onboard the Jaffar Express.

As per Muhammad Kashif, a senior railway government official in Quetta, the capital of the province, told AFP, that over 450 passengers are on board the Pakistan railways train.

With 104 passengers rescued, security forces are continuing the operation to rescue the other hostages.

About The Incident

On Wednesday, Pakistani militant group Baloch Liberation Army (BLA) took control of the Jaffar Express. Claiming responsibility for the hijack, the BLA stated that if any military or security is deployed, all passengers on board will be “executed.”

As per reports, the militants took control of the Pakistan Railways train after the attackers bombed the railway track. After this, the stormed aboard the train and opened fire on the locomotive, injuring the driver.

The train was stopped just before a tunnel, and the BLA militants took control of the train in a remote, mountainous area of the province which borders Afghanistan and Iran.