Balochistan Train Hijack Leaves Hostages in Crisis, Military Mobilizes Rescue

A deadly hijacking of the Jaffar Express train in Pakistan's Balochistan province has left passengers recounting terrifying experiences as armed militants from the Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA) took hostages and threatened their lives. Over 400 passengers were on board when the train was attacked; military operations are ongoing to rescue those still held captive, with reports of 155 passengers rescued and 27 militants killed, though these figures remain unverified. Survivors described a scene of chaos and fear, with explosions and gunfire lasting for nearly an hour. The BLA has issued a dire warning of severe consequences if security forces continue their rescue attempts, claiming to have taken hostages into the mountainous area surrounding the train. Many of the freed passengers required medical attention after the ordeal, and the railway station in Quetta has been lined with coffins in anticipation of potential casualties. The situation continues to develop as military and rescue operations proceed amid escalating tensions.