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Saudi Gazette
13-03-2025
- Politics
- Saudi Gazette
Pakistan army says 300 hostages freed from train seized by militants
ISLAMABAD — Pakistan's army says it has freed more than 300 hostages from a passenger train seized by militants in Balochistan province on Tuesday. The military spokesperson said 33 militants were killed during the operation. Twenty-one civilian hostages and four military personnel were killed by the Baloch Liberation Army (BLA) before the operation began, the military spokesperson said. The military continues its search operation in the area to rule out any remaining threats. There were approximately 440 passengers on board the train when it was attacked, according to the army's spokesperson. Security officials have been quoted as saying some of the militants may have left the train, taking an unknown number of passengers with them into the surrounding mountainous area. The military is working to find the passengers who escaped and fled into the surrounding area during the attack, the spokesperson said. It is not clear how many passengers are unaccounted for. The Pakistani authorities — as well as several Western countries, including the UK and US — have designated the BLA as a terrorist organization. The BLA is one of the rebel groups demanding either greater autonomy or independence for Balochistan, Pakistan's largest province. They accuse Islamabad of exploiting the province's rich mineral resources while also neglecting it. In the past, they have attacked military camps, railway stations and trains — but this is the first time they have hijacked a train. At least 100 of those on the train were members of the security forces, officials have said. The militants had threatened to kill hostages if authorities did not release Baloch political prisoners within 48 hours, according to local reports. During the attack, the militants blew up a section of the tracks and opened fire on the train near a mountain tunnel. Eyewitnesses described the "doomsday scenes" on board the train as the attack unfolded, with passenger Ishaq Noor telling the BBC: "We held our breath throughout the firing, not knowing what would happen next." Officials had difficulty communicating with passengers at the time of the attack, because the remote area has no internet or mobile coverage. Some passengers who managed to disembark from the train late on Tuesday evening walked for nearly four hours to reach the next railway station. Among them was Muhammad Ashraf, who had been travelling from Quetta to Lahore to visit his family. "We reached the station with great difficulty, because we were tired and there were children and women with us," he told the BBC. Helicopters and hundreds of troops were deployed to rescue the hostages. More than 100 passengers had been freed by Wednesday morning. The hijacking lasted more than 30 hours. Information relating to the attack and subsequent rescue operation has been tightly controlled throughout. A spokesperson for the military said anyone involved in the attack would be brought to justice. — BBC
Yahoo
12-03-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Pakistan army says 300 hostages freed from train
Pakistan's army says it has freed more than 300 hostages from a passenger train seized by militants in Balochistan province on Tuesday. The military spokesperson said 33 militants were killed during the operation. Twenty-one civilian hostages and four military personnel were killed by the Baloch Liberation Army (BLA) before the operation began, the military spokesperson said. The military continues its search operation in the area to rule out any remaining threats. The Pakistani authorities - as well as several Western countries, including the UK and US - have designated the BLA as a terrorist organisation. The BLA is one of the rebel groups demanding either greater autonomy or independence for Balochistan, Pakistan's largest province. They accuse Islamabad of exploiting the province's rich mineral resources while also neglecting it. In the past, they have attacked military camps, railway stations and trains - but this is the first time they have hijacked a train. At least 100 of those on the train were members of the security forces, officials have said. The militants had threatened to kill hostages if authorities did not release Baloch political prisoners within 48 hours, according to local reports. During the attack, the militants blew up a section of the tracks and opened fire on the train near a mountain tunnel. Eyewitnesses described the "doomsday scenes" on board the train as the attack unfolded, with passenger Ishaq Noor telling the BBC: "We held our breath throughout the firing, not knowing what would happen next." Officials had difficulty communicating with passengers at the time of the attack, because the remote area has no internet or mobile coverage. Some passengers who managed to disembark from the train late on Tuesday evening walked for nearly four hours to reach the next railway station. Among them was Muhammad Ashraf, who had been travelling from Quetta to Lahore to visit his family. "We reached the station with great difficulty, because we were tired and there were children and women with us," he told the BBC. Helicopters and hundreds of troops were deployed to rescue the hostages. More than 100 passengers had been freed by Wednesday morning. The hijacking lasted more than 30 hours. A spokesperson for the military said anyone involved in the attack would be brought to justice. Passengers describe 'doomsday scenes' on hijacked train At least 100 passengers freed from Pakistan train siege
Saudi Gazette
12-03-2025
- Saudi Gazette
Passengers describe 'doomsday scenes' on hijacked train
QUETTA — Passengers who were freed from a train seized by armed militants have spoken of "doomsday scenes" that unfolded on board the Jaffar Express in Pakistan's Balochistan province. "We held our breath throughout the firing, not knowing what would happen next," Ishaq Noor, who was one of those on board, told the BBC. He was one of more than 400 passengers traveling from Quetta to Peshawar on Tuesday when the Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA) attacked and took a number hostage. The train driver was among several reported injured. Military sources claim 155 passengers have been freed and 27 militants killed. There is no independent confirmation of those figures. Rescue operations are continuing. Security forces say they have deployed hundreds of troops to rescue the remaining passengers. Authorities have also deployed helicopters and special forces personnel. The BLA has warned of "severe consequences" if an attempt is made to rescue hostages. More than a dozen freed passengers were taken to hospital for treatment. Reports quoting security officials say some of the militants may have left the train, taking an unknown number of passengers with them into the surrounding mountainous area. At least 100 of those on the train were members of the security forces, officials have said. Muhammad Ashraf, who was traveling from Quetta to Lahore to visit family, was among a group of passengers who managed to disembark the train late on Tuesday. "There was a lot of fear among the passengers. It was a scene of doomsday," he said. The group then walked for nearly four hours to the next railway station. Several of the men carried the weaker passengers on their shoulders. "We reached the station with great difficulty because we were tired and there were children and women with us," he said. Noor, who was traveling with his wife and two children, said the initial explosion on the train was "so intense" that one of his children fell from the seat. He and his wife each tried to shield one child amidst the gunfire. "If a bullet comes our way, it will hit us and not the children," he said. Mushtaq Muhammad, who was in the train's third carriage, recalled the "unforgettable" attack and passengers stricken with panic. "The attackers were talking to each other in Balochi, and their leader repeatedly told them to 'keep an eye' particularly on the security personnel to make sure that [the attackers] do not lose them," he said. The attackers started to release some Balochistan residents, as well as women, children and elderly passengers, on Tuesday evening, Mr Ishaq said, adding that he was let go when he told them he was a resident of Turbat city in Balochistan, and they saw that he had children and women with him. However, it is still unclear how many passengers are still being held hostage. Security forces say they have launched a major operation to rescue remaining passengers, deploying hundreds of troops. Authorities have also deployed helicopters and special forces personnel. On Wednesday, the BBC saw dozens of wooden coffins being loaded at Quetta railway station. A railway official said they were empty and being transported to collect any possible casualties. The BLA has warned of "severe consequences" if an attempt was made to rescue those it is holding. The BLA has waged a decades-long insurgency to gain independence and has launched numerous deadly attacks, often targeting police stations, railway lines and highways. Counter-insurgency operations in impoverished Balochistan by Pakistan's army and security forces have reportedly seen thousands of people disappear without trace since the early 2000s. The security forces are accused of crimes including torture and extra-judicial killings, allegations they deny. Pakistani authorities, as well as several Western countries, including the UK and US, have designated the group a terrorist organization. The Human Rights Commission of Pakistan said it is "gravely concerned" by the train hijack. "We strongly urge all relevant stakeholders to forge an urgent rights-based, pro-people consensus on the issues faced by citizens in Balochistan and to find a peaceful, political solution," it said in a statement on X. The United Nations' Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has "strongly condemned" the train siege and also called for the immediate release of remaining passengers. — BBC
Yahoo
12-03-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Passengers describe 'doomsday scenes' on hijacked train
Passengers who were freed from a train seized by armed militants have spoken of "doomsday scenes" that unfolded on board the Jaffar Express in Pakistan's Balochistan province. "We held our breath throughout the firing, not knowing what would happen next," Ishaq Noor, who was one of those on board, told the BBC. He was one of more than 400 passengers travelling from Quetta to Peshawar on Tuesday when the Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA) attacked and took a number hostage. The only known casualty is the train driver and rescue operations are continuing. Military sources claim 155 passengers have been freed and 27 militants killed. There is no independent confirmation. Security forces say they have deployed hundreds of troops to rescue the remaining passengers. Authorities have also deployed helicopters and special forces personnel. The BLA has warned of "severe consequences" if an attempt is made to rescue hostages. More than a dozen freed passengers were taken to hospital for treatment. Reports quoting security officials say some of the militants may have left the train, taking an unknown number of passengers with them into the surrounding mountainous area. At least 100 of those on the train were members of the security forces, officials have said. Muhammad Ashraf, who was travelling from Quetta to Lahore to visit family, was among a group of passengers who managed to disembark the train late on Tuesday. "There was a lot of fear among the passengers. It was a scene of doomsday," he said. The group then walked for nearly four hours to the next railway station. Several of the men carried the weaker passengers on their shoulders. "We reached the station with great difficulty, because we were tired and there were children and women with us," he said. Mr Noor, who was travelling with his wife and two children, said the initial explosion on the train was "so intense" that one of his children fell from the seat. He and his wife each tried to shield one child amidst the gunfire. "If a bullet comes our way, it will hit us and not the children," he said. Mushtaq Muhammad, who was in the train's third carriage, recalled the "unforgettable" attack and passengers stricken with panic. "The attackers were talking to each other in Balochi, and their leader repeatedly told them to 'keep an eye' particularly on the security personnel to make sure that [the attackers] do not lose them," he said. The attackers started to release some Balochistan residents, as well as women, children and elderly passengers, on Tuesday evening, Mr Ishaq said, adding that he was let go when he told them he was a resident of Turbat city in Balochistan, and they saw that he had children and women with him. However, it is still unclear how many passengers are still being held hostage. Security forces say they have launched a major operation to rescue remaining passengers, deploying hundreds of troops. Authorities have also deployed helicopters and special forces personnel. On Wednesday, the BBC saw dozens of wooden coffins being loaded at Quetta railway station. A railway official said they were empty and being transported to collect any possible casualties. The BLA has warned of "severe consequences" if an attempt was made to rescue those it is holding. The BLA has waged a decades-long insurgency to gain independence and has launched numerous deadly attacks, often targeting police stations, railway lines and highways. Counter-insurgency operations in impoverished Balochistan by Pakistan's army and security forces have reportedly seen thousands of people disappear without trace since the early 2000s. The security forces are accused of crimes including torture and extra-judicial killings, allegations they deny. Pakistani authorities - as well as several Western countries, including the UK and US - have designated the group a terrorist organisation. The Human Rights Commission of Pakistan said it is "gravely concerned" by the train hijack. "We strongly urge all relevant stakeholders to forge an urgent rights-based, pro-people consensus on the issues faced by citizens in Balochistan and to find a peaceful, political solution," it said in a statement on X. The United Nations' Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has "strongly condemned" the train siege and also called for the immediate release of remaining passengers. Additional Reporting by Azadeh Moshiri Where is Balochistan and why is it the target of strikes? 'My mother doesn't know if she's married or a widow' At least 100 passengers freed from Pakistan train siege
BBC News
12-03-2025
- Politics
- BBC News
Pakistan train: Passengers recall 'doomsday scenes' after hijack
Passengers who were freed from a train seized by armed militants have spoken of "doomsday scenes" that unfolded on board the Jaffar Express in Pakistan's Balochistan province."We held our breath throughout the firing, not knowing what would happen next," Ishaq Noor, who was one of those on board, told the was one of more than 400 passengers travelling from Quetta to Peshawar on Tuesday when the Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA) attacked and took a number hostage. Rescue operations are continuing. Military sources claim 155 passengers have been freed and 27 militants killed. There is no independent confirmation. More than a dozen freed passengers were taken to hospital for treatment. Security forces say they have deployed hundreds of troops to rescue the remaining passengers. Authorities have also deployed helicopters and special forces BLA has warned of "severe consequences" if an attempt is made to rescue hostages. Reports quoting security officials say some of the militants may have left the train, taking an unknown number of passengers with them into the surrounding mountainous area. At least 100 of those on the train were members of the security forces, officials have said. Muhammad Ashraf, who was travelling from Quetta to Lahore to visit family, was among a group of passengers who managed to disembark the train late on Tuesday."There was a lot of fear among the passengers. It was a scene of doomsday," he group then walked for nearly four hours to the next railway station. Several of the men carried the weaker passengers on their shoulders. "We reached the station with great difficulty, because we were tired and there were children and women with us," he Noor, who was travelling with his wife and two children, said the initial explosion on the train was "so intense" that one of his children fell from the and his wife each tried to shield one child amidst the gunfire. "If a bullet comes our way, it will hit us and not the children," he said. Mushtaq Muhammad, who was in the train's third carriage, recalled the "unforgettable" attack and passengers stricken with panic."The attackers were talking to each other in Balochi, and their leader repeatedly told them to 'keep an eye' particularly on the security personnel to make sure that [the attackers] do not lose them," he said. The attackers started to release some Balochistan residents, as well as women, children and elderly passengers, on Tuesday evening, Mr Ishaq said, adding that he was let go when he told them he was a resident of Turbat city in Balochistan, and they saw that he had children and women with it is still unclear how many passengers are still being held hostage. Security forces say they have launched a major operation to rescue remaining passengers, deploying hundreds of troops. Authorities have also deployed helicopters and special forces Wednesday, the BBC saw dozens of wooden coffins being loaded at Quetta railway station. A railway official said they were empty and being transported to collect any possible casualties. The BLA has warned of "severe consequences" if an attempt was made to rescue those it is holding. 'Gravely concerned' The BLA has waged a decades-long insurgency to gain independence and has launched numerous deadly attacks, often targeting police stations, railway lines and operations in impoverished Balochistan by Pakistan's army and security forces have reportedly seen thousands of people disappear without trace since the early 2000s. The security forces are accused of crimes including torture and extra-judicial killings, allegations they authorities - as well as several Western countries, including the UK and US - have designated the group a terrorist Human Rights Commission of Pakistan said it is "gravely concerned" by the train hijack. "We strongly urge all relevant stakeholders to forge an urgent rights-based, pro-people consensus on the issues faced by citizens in Balochistan and to find a peaceful, political solution," it said in a statement on X. The United Nations' Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has "strongly condemned" the train siege and also called for the immediate release of remaining passengers. Additional Reporting by Azadeh Moshiri
