Pakistan Frees 190 Hostages After Deadly Train Attack by Baloch Separatists
In a dramatic rescue mission, Pakistani security forces freed 190 hostages and eliminated 30 attackers after Baloch separatists stormed a passenger train in Balochistan’s Bolan district. Arshad Mehmood reports that the assault on the Jaffar Express, which was traveling from Quetta to Peshawar, began when fighters from the Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA) used explosives to disable the tracks and then took hostages. Some captives, including women and children, were released early, while others were taken into the mountains.
Pakistan’s military responded with “Operation Green Bolan,” deploying elite commandos, drones, and airstrikes to neutralize the threat. Authorities reported that intercepted communications linked the attackers to contacts in Afghanistan, pointing to possible foreign involvement. The Balochistan Assembly condemned the attack, warning of a rising trend of terrorist groups exploiting women for their operations.
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Dost Mohammad Barech, a university lecturer and security expert, noted the attack’s strategic planning, pointing out that the train was stopped near a tunnel without cell service, preventing passengers from calling for help. The US Embassy in Pakistan condemned the assault and reaffirmed its support for Pakistan’s counterterrorism efforts. Following the attack, the US State Department updated its travel advisory, warning Americans to reconsider visiting Pakistan due to heightened risks.
While the military’s swift response ended the siege, concerns remain over the broader security implications. For a deeper look at the rescue operation, the militants’ tactics, and the regional impact, read the full article by Arshad Mehmood.
