Pakistan Security Forces Rescue 190 Hostages From Hijacked Train; BLA Suicide Bombers Adding To Army's Woes

Security forces in Pakistan have successfully rescued 190 passengers who were taken hostage by separatist militants in the southwestern province of Balochistan, according to news agency AFP.

The rescue operation, now in its second day, has been complicated by the presence of suicide bombers among the militants, necessitating extreme caution.

Photo Credit: AP/PTI

"Due to the presence of women and children alongside the suicide bombers, utmost caution is being exercised," sources informed AFP, adding that at least 30 militants had been killed.

The militant group responsible, the Baloch Liberation Army (BLA), hijacked the train on Tuesday as it entered a tunnel in Bolan district. Known for its insurgency against the Pakistani state, the BLA surrounded the hostages with suicide bombers and demanded the release of imprisoned militants in exchange for the passengers.

However, government officials have remained firm in their longstanding policy of refusing to negotiate with militant groups.

Heavy Casualties Among Militants

Pakistani security forces engaged in intense combat with the heavily armed insurgents, eliminating at least 30 militants.

Helicopters were deployed to assist ground troops navigating the challenging terrain, with authorities condemning the attack as an act of terrorism.

So far, more than 190 of the estimated 450 passengers have been rescued, and operations remain ongoing.

This incident marks the first recorded instance of the BLA successfully hijacking a train.

While the group has previously targeted security forces and infrastructure, it has also launched attacks on civilians, including Chinese nationals involved in the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC).

Beijing has strongly condemned the attack, with foreign ministry spokeswoman Mao Ning reiterating China's support for Pakistan's counter-terrorism efforts.

How the Attack Unfolded

The train was brought to a halt when militants detonated explosives on the tracks, damaging the engine and nine of its coaches, security officials reported. The driver sustained critical gunshot wounds, while security personnel onboard were also attacked.

The rescued passengers, including women and children, have been transported to their hometowns or hospitals in Mach district and Quetta, approximately 100 kilometres away. The train was en route from Quetta to Peshawar when it was seized.

Balochistan, a province rich in natural resources but plagued by unrest, has long been the centre of separatist movements demanding greater autonomy and a fairer share of local resources.

The BLA, one of the most prominent insurgent groups in the region, has waged a sustained campaign against Pakistani forces, frequently targeting infrastructure projects linked to China's Belt and Road Initiative.