End of hostage rescue operation on Pakistan's Balochistan train

Afghan Voice Agency (AVA) - International Service: The hostage-taking operation on the Pakistani train carried out by the armed group "Balochistan Liberation Army" (BLA) has ended. The group took several passengers hostage on Tuesday by blowing up the train tracks and shooting at the "Jafar Express" train traveling from Quetta to Peshawar.

 

According to Pakistani media reports, 33 terrorists were killed and the hostages were released following a fierce clash with security forces. 21 hostages and 4 security forces were killed in the attack. After the operation, the rescued hostages were transferred to Quetta railway station.

 

Pakistani state media also announced early Wednesday morning that at least 190 hostages had been freed and 30 terrorists had been killed on the second day of the rescue operation.

 

Earlier, Pakistani security forces had said that suicide bombers were stationed near some of the hostages and were wearing explosive vests.

 

A security source also told the media: The terrorists are using innocent hostages as human shields to prevent a possible defeat.

 

The Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA) had claimed on Tuesday, March 11, that it was holding 214 hostages, all of whom were military personnel. The group had also given the Pakistani government 48 hours to unconditionally release Baloch political prisoners, forcibly disappeared persons and activists of the group.

 

The group's spokesman also warned: "If our demands are not met within the deadline or the government takes military action during this period, all prisoners of war will be killed and the train will be completely destroyed. The Pakistani army will bear full responsibility for the consequences of this action."

 

Although the hostage-taking of the Jaffar Express train has reportedly ended, the exact details of the incident have not yet been released to the media.