16 terrorists killed in hostage rescue operation after train attack in Pakistan

Pakistani security forces have killed at least 16 terrorists in an operation to rescue hostages following an attack on a passenger train in the Kacchi district of Balochistan province, security sources said on Wednesday.

Intense Gunfight Between Security Forces and Militants

Security sources told Xinhua that the military operation, launched in the early hours of Wednesday, managed to split the terrorists into smaller groups. An intense exchange of gunfire ensued between the attackers and the security personnel.

104 Hostages Rescued, Efforts Underway for Remaining Passengers

According to officials, the security forces successfully freed 104 hostages, including 58 men, 31 women, and 15 children. At least 17 injured passengers were shifted to a nearby hospital. Authorities confirmed that efforts are still ongoing to secure the release of any remaining passengers.

Security Forces Continue Operation

"Additional security personnel are participating in the ongoing operation. The noose around the terrorists has been tightened, and the mission will continue until the last terrorist is neutralized," the sources added.

Train Attack in Balochistan Leaves Several Injured

Earlier, official sources reported that a group of armed men opened fire on the Jaffar Express passenger train, which was carrying around 450 passengers, injuring several of them, according to Xinhua news agency.

Senior Pakistan Railways official Muhammad Kashif said the train was en route from Quetta to Peshawar when militants launched their attack.

"The attack occurred in a mountainous region with severely restricted communication due to the lack of mobile service. In the last contact with the train, the driver reported that an explosion had hit the railway track, forcing the train to stop. Immediately after, militants opened heavy fire, injuring the driver and multiple passengers," Kashif explained.

PM Sharif Condemns Attack, Vows to Eradicate Terrorism

Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif strongly condemned the attack and praised the security forces for their bravery and professionalism in countering the terrorists.

"Despite the difficult terrain, the morale of our security forces remains high. We will continue this war against terrorism until this menace is completely eradicated from our country," he stated.

Sharif further asserted that every conspiracy aimed at destabilizing Pakistan would be thwarted. "We will never allow the evil intentions of anti-state elements to succeed," he added.

BLA Claims Responsibility for Attack

The proscribed terrorist group Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA) claimed responsibility for the attack in a statement posted on a social media platform.

(With IANS inputs)