At least 11 Pakistani soldiers were killed while attempting to rescue passengers taken hostage by militants in Balochistan. The Baloch Liberation Army (BLA) claimed responsibility for the attack, stating that over 180 people were being held captive.
Militants launched a brazen assault on the Jaffar Express in Balochistan’s Bolan district on Tuesday morning, opening fire to halt the train and seizing control. As security forces responded to the crisis, the attackers engaged them in heavy gunfire, killing at least 11 soldiers. The BLA also claimed to have downed a military drone.
In a chilling ultimatum, the insurgents warned that if the Pakistani military did not halt its rescue operation, all hostages would be executed within an hour. “If any military action is attempted, more than 100 hostages will be killed,” said Jeand Baloch, a spokesperson for the militant group.
Pakistani security forces, struggling with the region’s rugged terrain, dispatched an emergency rescue train carrying additional troops. The army has yet to confirm the extent of casualties or the current status of the hostages.
Liberty News’ international correspondent states that the BLA, a separatist group fighting for Balochistan’s independence, has intensified attacks in recent months, targeting military installations and infrastructure. This latest assault underscores the growing security crisis in the province, where insurgent violence remains a persistent threat.
LND/BG
