Pakistan forces enter ‘final phase’ of train hijack operation

Pakistani security forces said that a large number of hostages, including women and children who were being used as human shields, have been safely rescued from a train seized by militants, security sources said Wednesday, as the military operation to free the remaining hostages nears its final phase.

Earlier, 190 passengers had been freed.

The clearance operation was carried out with extreme caution and precision to save innocent lives, the sources said, adding that all militants present at the scene have been neutralized.

The Jaffar Express, traveling from Quetta to Peshawar with about 450 passengers, came under attack Tuesday when gunmen opened fire, injuring at least three people, including the train’s driver, according to eyewitnesses.

The separatist Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA) claimed responsibility for the assault, prompting a swift response from Pakistan’s security forces. Officials said at least 30 attackers have been killed so far in the ongoing operation.

Authorities said the militants remained in contact with collaborators in Afghanistan.

A Reuters journalist reported seeing nearly 100 empty coffins at Quetta railway station, where more passengers from the Jaffar Express were expected to arrive.

Passengers held captive

“Over 450 passengers onboard are being held hostage by gunmen,” Muhammad Kashif, a senior railway official in Quetta, told AFP shortly after the attack on Tuesday.

Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi condemned the assault, calling the attackers “beasts” who deserve “no leniency.” He also wished a swift recovery for the injured.

Security forces surrounded the militants, but the rugged terrain made the operation difficult. Hospitals in Sibi and Dhadar were placed on emergency alert, with ambulances dispatched to the site.

Survivors recount ordeal

Some hostages who escaped described the terror they experienced.

“I can’t find the words to describe how we managed to escape. It was terrifying,” said Muhammad Bilal, who was traveling with his mother.

Zahid Masih, another freed hostage, told Nukta: “I heard gunfire, and then a powerful explosion shook the train.”

“I don’t know why they let me go, as most of those released were women and children—perhaps it was because I am Christian,” he speculated.

Families in distress

For relatives of passengers still unaccounted for, the uncertainty is agonizing.

“I dropped my father at the station in the morning. He was traveling to Gujranwala to offer condolences to a relative,” said Abdur Rauf, son of hostage Umar Farooq.

“After the train departed, I returned home, but when news of the attack broke, I tried calling him—his phone was switched off. We have no idea where he is or what condition he might be in. All we can do is hope for the best,” he said.

Rising insurgency

Pakistan has long battled a separatist insurgency in resource-rich but impoverished Balochistan, where groups like the BLA have targeted security forces and infrastructure.

Violence has escalated in Pakistan’s western border regions since the Taliban’s return to power in Afghanistan in 2021, complicating security efforts in the region.

Global condemnation

The attack has drawn strong condemnation from international leaders and organizations.

The United States and China strongly condemned the attack, expressing solidarity with Pakistani government.

“We strongly condemn the attack on the Jaffar Express train and the hostage-taking of passengers in Kacchi, Balochistan,” the U.S. Embassy in Islamabad said in a statement.

“We extend our deepest sympathies and condolences to the victims, their families, and all those affected by this horrific act.”

The embassy reaffirmed Washington’s support for Islamabad, stating, “The United States remains a steadfast partner of Pakistan in its efforts to ensure the safety and security of all its citizens. We stand in solidarity with Pakistan during this difficult time.”

China also condemned the attack, with its Ministry of Foreign Affairs reiterating support for Pakistan.

“China opposes all forms of terrorism and will continue to firmly support Pakistan in fighting terrorism, maintaining unity, and protecting civilians,” the ministry’s spokesperson said.

“China stands ready to strengthen counterterrorism and security cooperation with Pakistan to help keep the region peaceful, secure, and stable,” the spokesperson added.

Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baghaei denounced the assault, expressing solidarity with Pakistan. He reaffirmed Iran’s opposition to all forms of terrorism and said Tehran was ready to assist Islamabad in countering the threat.

UN Secretary-General António Guterres also condemned the attack and called for the immediate release of hostages.

"Attacks against civilians are unacceptable," his spokesman Stéphane Dujarric said in a statement.

German Ambassador to Pakistan Alfred Grannas described the attack as “unacceptable,” stressing that violence for political purposes, especially against civilians, must be rejected.

*With input from AFP, Reuters and correspondent Kamran Ali

*This is a developing story