Pakistan Forces End Train Siege, Kill 33 Militants in Balochistan Rescue Operation

Pakistani security forces rescued passengers from a hijacked train in Balochistan, killing all 33 BLA militants. The insurgents had attacked the Jaffer Express, killing 21 hostages before being eliminated in a military operation. The BLA, fighting for greater autonomy, has escalated attacks, prompting increased security measures in the region.

Pakistani security forces successfully stormed the Jaffer Express on Wednesday, eliminating all 33 Baloch Liberation Army (BLA) militants who had hijacked the train a day earlier. The operation rescued hundreds of passengers, though 21 hostages and four security personnel lost their lives in the ordeal.

The crisis began when BLA insurgents attacked the train in Balochistan, blowing up the railway tracks and firing rockets before taking hostages. The group demanded the release of Baloch prisoners and threatened to execute captives if their demands were not met. Survivors recounted moments of terror as militants sorted through identity cards, targeting security personnel while sparing some women and children.

As the military launched a counter-operation, special forces had to navigate a dangerous situation—some militants wore suicide vests and sat among the hostages. A final assault by commandos resulted in the elimination of the attackers and the safe evacuation of remaining passengers. Pakistan's military spokesperson Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry confirmed that no civilians were killed during the last stage of the operation.

The BLA, the largest separatist militant group in Balochistan, has intensified attacks in recent months, shifting its focus from military targets to civilians. It claims to be fighting for greater autonomy and a larger share of the region’s natural resources, which it accuses the central government of exploiting.

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The Pakistani government has condemned the attack, vowing to take stronger action against insurgent groups. Authorities have increased security measures in the region and reinforced railway routes to prevent future assaults. The operation has been hailed as a success, but the incident underscores the ongoing insurgency in Balochistan.