Pakistani security forces stormed a hijacked train on Wednesday, ending a violent 24-hour standoff with Baloch separatist militants that left 21 civilians and four troops dead, according to military officials. The Jaffar Express, traveling from Quetta to Peshawar with 440 passengers, was targeted on Tuesday when militants sabotaged railway tracks and attacked with rockets.
Military spokesperson Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry confirmed that all 33 militants were killed during the rescue operation. 'The final assault prioritized civilian safety. No hostages were harmed in the last phase,' he said, noting that women and children were among those freed.
Baloch separatist groups have long sought greater autonomy in resource-rich Balochistan province, where such attacks highlight ongoing regional tensions. Analysts warn the incident may renew debates about security strategies in Pakistan's key transit corridors.
This marks one of the deadliest train-related militant actions in recent years, underscoring challenges for regional stability and infrastructure security. Authorities have launched investigations into the militants' operational network.
