BREAKING: Pakistani Commandos Storm Hijacked Train, Rescue 80 Hostages in Daring Operation
4:15 PM PKT – Hostages Freed, Operation Concluded
Pakistani security personnel have managed to free 80 hostages after a high-risk counterterrorism operation to recapture a hijacked passenger train in southwest Baluchistan province. Military officials report that elite commandos raided the train close to the town of Sibi, killing three armed militants and resolving a tense standoff that lasted 12 hours. There were no civilian casualties, although two soldiers were slightly injured in the operation.
3:45 PM PKT – Final Assault Underway
Live coverage on local television channels captured intense gunfire and explosions close to the train as soldiers advanced. Witnesses described hearing screams and intermittent gunfire before the place went quiet. The Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) confirmed that “all hostages are safe” and that the attackers had been “eliminated.”
2:30 PM PKT – Militant Group Claims Responsibility
Little-known separatist outfit Ansar-Ul-Haq claimed responsibility for the hijacking in a Telegram statement, terming it as a response to recent military actions in Baluchistan. The group blamed the government for “exploiting Baloch resources” and sought the release of jailed militants. Security experts are checking the authenticity of the claim.
1:00 PM PKT – Negotiations Collapse, Operation Greenlit
Previous efforts at negotiations for a peaceful settlement collapsed when militants declined to free women and children on board the train. Prime Minister Anwaar-Ul-Haq Kakar gave approval for a military operation, declaring, “We will not allow terrorism on our soil. Our forces are ready to act resolutely.”
10:00 AM PKT – Train Hijacked Near Sibi
Previous efforts at negotiations for a peaceful settlement collapsed when militants declined to free women and children on board the train. Prime Minister Anwaar-Ul-Haq Kakar approved a military operation, declaring, “We will not allow terrorism on our soil. Our forces are ready to act resolutely.”
Background: Why Baluchistan?
Balochistan, the most populous but least populated province of Pakistan, has been a cauldron of separatist insurgency for decades. Ethnic Baloch communities have complained that the federal government was ignoring the region even though it is rich in natural resources such as gas, minerals, and proximity to the strategic Gwadar Port. The hijacking underlines continued security issues in the province, bordering Afghanistan and Iran and at the heart of China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) investments.
Eyewitness Accounts: Chaos and Courage
Passengers recalled terrifying moments during the ordeal. “They entered our cabin screaming, ‘No one move!'” Ali Raza, a student on his way to Quetta, said. “They were carrying rifles and black masks. We feared we would be killed.” Another survivor, Farah Naz, lauded the military response: “The soldiers were not afraid. They protected us from the shootout.”
Local reporter Asma Baloch, who was reporting from Sibi, reported that the driver of the train secretly informed authorities through an emergency radio system, allowing forces to locate the train.
Government and Military Response
Pakistani Interior Minister Sarfraz Bugti denounced the attack as “an act of cowardice” and promised to step up counterterrorism efforts in Balochistan. Army Chief General Asim Munir went to Quetta to monitor the operation and said, “Our resolve to protect citizens is unshakable.”
The incident has reopened arguments regarding rail security. The Quetta Express, as with most Pakistani trains, does not have sophisticated surveillance equipment and armed guards, exposing passengers to danger. Railways Minister Khawaja Saad Rafique ordered an emergency review of safety measures, including the placement of CCTV cameras and enhanced military patrols on vulnerable routes.
Regional and Global Reactions
- China: Expressed “deep concern” over the attack, given its investments in Baluchistan’s Gwadar Port. A foreign ministry spokesperson urged Pakistan to ensure the safety of Chinese workers in the region.
- India: Offered “sympathies to the victims” while subtly criticizing Pakistan’s counterterrorism record.
- United Nations: Secretary-General António Guterres called for “restraint and dialogue” to address Balochistan’s grievances.
Analysis: A Test for Pakistan’s Counterterror Strategy
The current hijacking highlights Pakistan’s tenuous security environment, even as the nation boasts successes against organizations such as the Pakistani Taliban (TTP). Major cities have experienced enhanced stability, but far-flung areas such as Balochistan are still unstable. Analysts caution that militant groups may take advantage of political turmoil in the lead-up to Pakistan’s next elections.
“These organizations wish to embarrass the government and military,” said security analyst Ayesha Siddiqa. “Baloch separatists are increasingly finding common cause with jihadist networks, making counterinsurgency more difficult.”
What’s Next?
- Hostage Aftermath: Freed passengers are receiving medical and psychological support at a military facility in Quetta.
- Investigation: Authorities are probing how the attackers bypassed security checkpoints and identifying potential collaborators.
- Geopolitical Fallout: The hijacking may strain Pakistan’s ties with Beijing, which has repeatedly raised concerns about BRI project security.
The dramatic rescue mission of today highlights the Pakistani military’s quick-response capacity, but it also reveals systemic weaknesses in the nation’s infrastructure and government. For average Pakistanis, the attack is a sobering reminder of the ever-present danger of violence—and the bravery needed to face it. As the country grapples with this trauma, the world waits to see if Islamabad can convert military successes into enduring peace.
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