Pakistan Train Hijack: Forces kill 16 militants, free 104 hostages in ongoing op

Militants hijacked the Jaffar Express in Pakistan’s Balochistan province on Tuesday. Security forces killed 16 hijackers and rescued 104 passengers. The train, carrying 400 passengers, traveled from Quetta to Peshawar when armed men from the Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA) intercepted it in a tunnel near Gudalar and Piru Kunri.

Security forces launched an operation, engaging in a gun battle with the militants. They rescued 104 passengers, including 58 men, 31 women, and 15 children, and sent them to Mach by another train. Officials confirmed that some hostages were taken into the mountains. Security personnel continued the pursuit, surrounding the tunnel to prevent the militants’ escape.

Earlier, security forces had rescued 80 passengers, including 43 men, 26 women, and 11 children. Balochistan government spokesperson Shahid Rind stated that military troops reached the rugged terrain soon after railway authorities alerted them.

Gunfire and explosions erupted near the tunnel, intensifying the rescue operation. District police officer Rana Muhammad Dilawar confirmed that four to five government officials were on board. The BLA claimed to have taken security personnel hostage, but authorities did not verify this.

Pakistan Railways set up emergency desks at Peshawar and Quetta stations. Officials urged families not to believe unverified rumors. Train services between Quetta and Peshawar had recently resumed after a suspension of over a month.

This attack follows a deadly incident in November when a suicide bomber killed 26 people and injured 62 at Quetta railway station, leading to temporary service suspensions.