Quetta, Pakistan – Nearly 350 hostages were rescued following a deadly standoff between Pakistan’s military and armed militants who hijacked a train in Balochistan, a security source revealed. The incident, which started on Tuesday, resulted in numerous casualties.

The Baloch Liberation Army (BLA), a militant separatist group operating in Balochistan, claimed responsibility for the attack. The BLA was responsible for the deaths of 27 hostages and one soldier, with at least 35 militants killed during the rescue operation, as per the security source.

The Jaffer Express, carrying around 450 passengers from Quetta to Peshawar, was attacked by militants with intense gunfire as it passed through a tunnel early in its journey. The militants used women and children as shields during the attack, prompting Pakistan’s military to launch a confrontation operation.

Survivors recounted harrowing experiences, with one woman describing the chaos as reminiscent of the “Day of Judgement.” Meanwhile, Mohammed Ashraf, a passenger, witnessed over 100 armed individuals on the train but noted that women and children were unharmed.

The insurgency in Balochistan, led mostly by the ethnic Baloch group, has long sought greater autonomy and economic development in the region. The escalating security situation, compounded by years of discriminatory policies, has fueled the insurgency, resulting in a challenging environment for the Pakistani government.

Analysts suggest that the attack on the train marks a new level of sophistication in the insurgents’ tactics, highlighting the need for a revised security approach in Balochistan. Despite past deadly attacks by the BLA, the Pakistani government remains committed to combating terrorism within its borders.

In response to the recent attack, Pakistan’s Prime Minister vowed to continue the fight against terrorism until eradication. The incident has raised concerns globally, particularly among investors like China, whose interests in the region are significant.

The need for urgent attention from the government to address security challenges in Balochistan is evident, with analysts emphasizing the necessity for a strategic security overhaul in the region. The ongoing insurgency poses a threat to stability, requiring a concerted effort to address the root causes and prevent further violence.