Balochistan Train Hijacking: 346 Hostages Freed, 27 Killed During Siege

At least 346 hostages were freed following the hijacking of the Jaffar Express train by gun-toting rebels in Balochistan province of Pakistan on Tuesday. The train carrying over 400 passengers was ambushed by Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA) militants along the route from Quetta to Peshawar. The hijack occurred in a remote area near Sibi city, where the militants exchanged fire with Pakistani security personnel.

Following a violent night-long standoff, Pakistani military forces managed to free the hostages. At least 27 hostages and one paramilitary soldier were killed in the firefight. The BLA claimed responsibility for the attack, demanding the release of jailed separatist militants in exchange for releasing the passengers.

The passengers who were rescued were 58 men, 31 women and 15 children and were taken to the nearest town to be treated. Authorities have refused to confirm any remaining hostages onboard.

The incident is one among a long period of separatist violence in the resource-rich province of Balochistan, an insecure region. The BLA has repeatedly struck at the Jaffar Express over recent years, most recently by a big suicide bombing attack in November 2024.