Pak Train Hijack: Rescue Train With Heavy Forces, Doctors Rushed From Quetta For Rescue Operation- wna24
Dhadar: Pakistan authorities have dispatched a rescue train from Quetta for Sibi with large number of forces and doctors, to help the security operation after Baloch Liberation Army (BLA) hijacked a train Jaffar Express with over 400 onboard including women, children and Pakistani army personnel on Tuesday. The BLA forces blew up the track at the exit point of a tunnel in Dhadar region, seizing train operations and taking hostage over a 100 passengers. The BLA rebels have released children and women but are holding nearly 180 Pakistani military personnel as hostage. The rebels have warned Pakistani authorities that they will start executing all the hostages if Army attempts any security operation or air strike.
As per reports, at least 20 Pakistani soldiers have been killed by Baloch rebels.
Earlier, Pakistani ground forces attempted a rescue operation but faced heavy resistance from BLA fighters. After an intense clashes, the Pakistani troops were forced to retreat as they failed to reclaim control over BLA rebels.
Despite the failure on the ground, Pakistani helicopters and drones continued indiscriminate airstrikes and aerial bombardment, escalating tensions at the hijack site.
The Baloch liberation army issued a final ultimatum saying if airstrikes do not stop immediately, all the 100 plus hostages will be executed within the next hour.
The BLA claims that Pakistani military, police, ISI, and ATF personnel who were going on leave to Punjab have been held hostage. Although, women, children, and Baloch passengers have been released.
The operation is being led by the Majeed Brigade (suicide unit), with STOS, Fatah Squad, and Zirab Unit actively resisting any military incursion.
Pakistan is facing a critical situation over the train hijack incident. It can either halt the airstrikes to negotiate a safe release of the hostages or risk the execution of over 100 of its own military personnel.
The incident highlights the intensifying of Baloch insurgency, as BLA continues to target strategic assets and high-profile military personnel.