Pakistan's military has successfully rescued 155 hostages from the passenger train Zafar Express, which was hijacked by militants in Balochistan. During the operation, 27 militants were killed.
On Tuesday, media sources verified that armed men hijacked a train named Zafar Express while on-route from Quetta to Peshawar. This train consists of nine carriages and, according to sources, was carrying, more than 400 passengers. The attack was allegedly claimed by the Baloch Liberation Army, a separatist group. The militants detonated explosives on the rail tracks to bring the train to a halt and then proceeded to take the passengers hostage. An immediate rescue operation was then launched by security forces. However, the militants were said to use women and children as shields while still communicating with their leaders in Afghanistan using satellite phones. Officials from Railways said an extensive operation by the armed forces and security agencies was conducted for the release of hostages. Following protracted clashes, 27 militants were killed and 155 passengers freed. Seventeen passengers were hospitalized on account of injuries. Meanwhile, 57 rescued passengers were flown to Quetta on Wednesday morning while 23 others remained in Mach town. Security forces remain active in ensuring complete area security.
The attack took place in a mountainous region close to the Afghanistan-Iran border, making the operation extra complicated. The train had come to a halt just before a tunnel following injuries inflicted upon its driver in the gunfire, which rendered a tactical advantage for the militants. Yet, a successful operation by the military had left their plans in ruins, ensuring that most of the people on board were rescued. And the operation continues in order to disinfect the area from any potential remaining threats.
