International: A train hijacking incident occurred in Pakistan’s Balochistan province, resulting in the deaths of at least 16 militants and the rescue of 104 passengers.
The Jaffar Express, carrying around 500 passengers, was intercepted by armed men linked to the Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA) in a tunnel near Gudalar and Piru Kunri.
The militants took some passengers hostage and escaped into the mountains, but security forces pursued them, rescuing 104 passengers, including women and children. The rescued passengers were sent to Mach, a town in Kachhi district, by another train.
Security sources confirmed that 16 militants were killed and many others injured in the ongoing gun battle. The cleanup operation is ongoing to rescue the remaining passengers. The militants have formed small groups to escape, but security forces have surrounded the tunnel.
The security forces had earlier rescued 80 passengers, including 43 men, 26 women, and 11 children. Pakistan Railways has set up an emergency desk at Peshawar and Quetta Railway stations to assist frantic relatives and friends.
The incident occurred after Pakistan Railways resumed train services to Peshawar from Quetta, following a suspension of over a month and a half. The area has experienced previous attacks, including a suicide bombing at the Quetta railway station in November last year, which killed 26 people and injured 62 others.
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