Pakistan military ends train hijacking, 27 dead in standoff

A military operation in Balochistan, Pakistan, concluded with the rescue of over 300 hostages from a train hijacked by separatist militants. The attack, carried out by the Baloch Liberation Army (BLA), resulted in the deaths of at least 27 hostages and one soldier, while around 35 militants were reportedly killed. The train, carrying approximately 450 passengers, was assaulted as it passed through a tunnel, with militants demanding the release of jailed members in exchange for the hostages. The BLA has a history of targeting both security forces and civilians, exacerbating the security crisis in the resource-rich region. The Pakistani government has rejected negotiations with the militants, maintaining a firm stance against their demands. The incident highlights the ongoing insurgency in Balochistan, a region that has experienced escalating violence and unrest in recent years.