- विज्ञापन -
Islamabad: Pakistani security forces have killed at least 16 terrorists during an operation to rescue hostages following a train attack in the Kacchi district of Balochistan province, sources confirmed.
According to security sources speaking to Xinhua on Wednesday morning, the military operation targeted the terrorists by dividing them into small groups, with heavy gunfire exchanged between the attackers and security forces.
The operation successfully freed 104 hostages, including 58 men, 31 women, and 15 children. Seventeen passengers were injured and taken to a nearby hospital. Efforts are ongoing to ensure the safe release of the remaining passengers.
“Additional personnel are involved in the operation, and the noose around the terrorists is tightening. The operation will continue until all terrorists are eliminated,” the sources said.
Earlier reports indicated that a group of armed militants attacked the Jaffar Express passenger train, which was carrying about 450 passengers, resulting in several injuries. Muhammad Kashif, a senior official with Pakistan Railways, explained that the train was traveling from Quetta to Peshawar when militants launched the attack.
“The assault occurred in a mountainous area where mobile communication is limited. The last communication from the train reported an explosion on the railway track, causing the train to halt. Militants then opened fire, injuring the driver and several passengers,” Kashif said.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif condemned the attack, praising the security forces for their courage and professionalism in handling the situation.
“Despite the challenging terrain, the morale of the security forces remains high. We will continue our fight against terrorism until it is completely eradicated from the country,” said the Prime Minister. He further emphasized that any attempts to sow unrest in Pakistan would be thwarted, and “anti-state elements” would not succeed in their malicious plans.
The Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA), a banned terrorist group, claimed responsibility for the attack through a statement on social media.
