Over 100 hostages were freed from a hijacked train in Balochistan, Pakistan, following an attack by the Baloch Liberation Army. The militants initially held 214 people, threatening violence if their demands were not met. Security forces launched an operation, with helicopters involved, to rescue the hostages. This incident reveals the ongoing insurgency issues in the region, exacerbated by recent political changes in neighboring Afghanistan.
More than 100 hostages have been released from a train in Pakistan that was hijacked by separatist militants in the Balochistan province. The attack began with the insurgents blowing up a railway track and firing upon the train on Tuesday. The militants initially held around 214 hostages and threatened to execute them. Thus far, three individuals, including the train driver, have died due to the violence, and several others have sustained injuries. Security forces have initiated a large-scale operation involving helicopters in a bid to free the hostages.
Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi confirmed the release of “more than 100 hostages” although the exact number remaining on the train is unknown. Muhammad Kashif, a senior railway official, indicated that over 450 passengers were on the train when it was taken over. The Baloch Liberation Army (BLA), which has claimed responsibility for the attack, demanded the release of Baloch political prisoners, threatening execution if their demands were unmet within 48 hours. The BLA seeks independence for Balochistan and has argued that the region’s resources are being exploited.
The Jaffar Express train was en route from Quetta to Peshawar when it was attacked. Some passengers reported that they had to walk for hours across difficult terrain to reach safety. One survivor, Muhammad Bilal, expressed the terror of the experience, stating, “I can’t find the words to describe how we managed to escape. It was terrifying.” Another eyewitness recounted how gunmen selectively targeted individuals based on their identity, leading to violence against those deemed outsiders.
Balochistan has been a focal point for a longstanding insurgency, which has intensified since the Taliban’s rise to power in Afghanistan. The BLA regularly attacks military personnel and has recently expanded its focus to include civilians. Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif condemned the attack, asserting that security forces are working to counter the militants. The United Nations has called for the immediate release of all hostages involved in the incident.
The recent hijacking of a train in Pakistan’s Balochistan province highlights the ongoing threat posed by separatist militants, specifically the Baloch Liberation Army. While significant numbers of hostages have been freed, the situation remains dire due to continued violence and threats against hostages. The events underscore the complexity of the insurgency in Balochistan, a region rich in resources yet afflicted by persistent conflict.
Original Source: www.thenationalnews.com
