Pakistan: Over 150 hostages have been freed after armed rebels hijacked a train carrying over 400 passengers in Pakistan’s restive Balochistan region. The operation, which unfolded in the Bolan Pass area, resulted in the deaths of at least 27 attackers.
The incident began when insurgents detonated a bomb on the railway tracks, forcing the Jaffar Express, which was travelling between Peshawar and Quetta, to come to a halt. The heavily armed assailants boarded the train, taking passengers hostage and targeting civilians. The train’s driver was severely injured in the attack.
Security forces responded swiftly, surrounding the militants and engaging in a fierce firefight. The rescue operation culminated in the release of the hostages, who were transported to Quetta under tight security. Meanwhile, hospitals in the nearby town of Sibbi were placed on high alert.
Officials confirmed that the attackers suffered significant losses, which led them to disperse into smaller groups. Given the difficult terrain, security forces have launched a clearance operation to eliminate any remaining threats. Authorities continue to monitor the situation as efforts to secure the area persist.
