SIBI: Pakistani security forces launched a high-intensity operation to rescue passengers taken hostage by armed militants in Balochistan’s remote and mountainous terrain. The attack, which took place on Tuesday, saw militants from the Baloch Liberation Army (BLA) force a passenger train to a halt before storming aboard and taking control. Initial reports indicated that over 450 passengers were trapped in a deadly standoff, prompting an urgent response from security forces. As the operation unfolded, security sources confirmed that at least 80 hostages had been successfully freed, including men, women, and children, while 13 militants were killed in the firefight.
The assault began with militants bombing the railway track, derailing the train’s movement, and swiftly overpowering its crew and security personnel. The attackers, heavily armed and positioned in the rugged hills surrounding the railway, took strategic advantage of the difficult terrain to prolong the siege. Authorities reported that the driver, a police officer, and a soldier were among the casualties of the attack, while several other passengers sustained injuries. A nearby railway station in Mach was repurposed into a makeshift medical center to treat the wounded, as hospitals in Sibi were placed on high alert to handle further casualties.
The Pakistani military and law enforcement agencies swiftly mobilized reinforcements, encircling the militants and engaging in a fierce gun battle. Security forces systematically worked to regain control of the train, prioritizing the safe evacuation of passengers while eliminating the armed assailants. The BLA, a separatist group known for its violent insurgency in Balochistan, issued a statement warning of severe consequences if authorities attempted to intervene. However, despite their threats, the Pakistani forces pressed ahead with the rescue mission, determined to neutralize the terrorists and free the remaining hostages.
As night fell, the operation remained ongoing, with hundreds of passengers still awaiting rescue amid the chaotic and dangerous standoff. Officials on the ground assured that every effort was being made to secure the release of those still held captive, emphasizing that the terrorists had been fully surrounded and their escape routes cut off. The government has vowed to continue military operations against separatist elements in Balochistan, reaffirming its commitment to restoring peace and security in the volatile province. Meanwhile, emergency measures remain in place, with authorities closely monitoring the situation to prevent further escalation.
