By The Media Line Staff

Pakistani security forces launched a major, ongoing operation in Balochistan’s Kacchi district after an armed group attacked the Jaffar Express on Tuesday, reportedly killing 27 gunmen and so far rescuing 155 hostages. The train, traveling from Quetta to Peshawar with around 450 passengers, was ambushed, with attackers using explosives to stop the train before opening fire. The Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA), a banned separatist group, claimed responsibility for the assault.

Survivors described the attack as a “doomsday” scene, with gunmen storming the train, taking hostages, and using passengers as human shields. “We held our breath throughout the firing, not knowing what would happen next,” said passenger Ishaq Noor. Witnesses reported that security personnel aboard the train were a primary target. Some hostages were later released, particularly women, children, and local Baloch residents, but an unknown number were taken into the surrounding mountains.

Pakistani authorities declared a state of emergency in Balochistan, dispatching special forces, helicopters, and hundreds of troops to locate the remaining captives. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif condemned the attack and vowed to continue counterterrorism efforts. “We will continue this war against terrorism until this menace is completely eradicated,” he stated.

The attack is the latest in a decadeslong insurgency by the BLA, which seeks independence for Balochistan and has frequently targeted railway lines, highways, and security forces. The group is designated as a terrorist organization by Pakistan, the US, and the UK. The United Nations and human rights groups have called for the immediate release of the remaining hostages and a political solution to the conflict.