Islamabad: A high-stakes rescue operation is underway in Pakistan’s Balochistan province after insurgents from the Baloch Liberation Army (BLA) hijacked the Jaffar Express on Tuesday. The armed separatist group claims to be holding 214 hostages, while Pakistani security forces have managed to rescue at least 155 passengers so far.
As of Wednesday morning, intense clashes between security personnel and the insurgents have resulted in the deaths of 27 militants. The BLA, which is fighting for Balochistan’s independence, claims to have killed at least 30 security personnel, though official confirmation from Pakistani authorities is awaited.
The Jaffar Express was traveling from Quetta to Peshawar when it was intercepted by heavily armed BLA fighters in a mountainous tunnel region. The attackers swiftly took control of the train, seizing hundreds of passengers.
The Pakistani military, along with special forces, launched a large-scale operation to neutralize the insurgents and free the hostages. With gunfire still echoing in the rugged terrain, tensions remain high as the standoff continues.
