pakistan train hijack
Security officials said that they have rescued over 300 hostages, though some were killed.
| Photo: AP
Pakistani authorities confirmed the end of a train hijacking on Wednesday, with all insurgents killed after a daylong standoff. Security officials said that they have rescued over 300 hostages, though some were killed. Details on casualties remain undisclosed, AP reported.
On Tuesday, militants from the Baloch Liberation Army hijacked a Pakistan railways operated Jaffar Express as it travelled from Quetta to Peshawar. Across the nine bogies, around 450 passengers are assumed to have been on board the train.
Officials have stated that the rescue operation has been "increasingly difficult" as the BLA militants are using women and children as human shields.
Rescued Passengers Recall Hijack Horror
Speaking to AFP, one of the rescued passengers recalled the incident and thanked the forces for safely evacuating him from the train.
"There was gunfire, but by the grace of Allah, the army and FC personnel brought us to safety," said one of the rescued passengers.
"I can't find the words to describe how we managed to escape. It was terrifying," another passenger on board told AFP.
Speaking to BBC Urdu, Mushtaq, who was in coach number three of the train, said, “The attack started with a ‘huge explosion.' After that, the firing started. The firing continued for an hour. It was a scene that can never be forgotten."