Lahore: Pakistan’s military says it killed all 33 militants behind a deadly train hijacking in Balochistan, according to RT News. The operation that continued for almost 30 hours led to the killing of four FC personnel and 21 civilians. Pakistan Army spokesman Lt. General Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry added that no innocents suffered in the operation.
BLA had hijacked the Jaffar Express on Tuesday and taken dozens of passengers hostage. Pakistani troops subsequently sealed off the region and launched an extensive offensive against the insurgents. The military faced stiff challenges with the harsh terrain of the Bolan Pass but managed to kill all of the militants.
Some militants opened fire on the security personnel during the operation, and a few tried to escape, but they surrendered seeing the tight cordon, he said. But each and every one of them were militants, and they were all gunned down. The BLA has been fighting for a separate homeland for Baloch people in Balochistan for years, but the recent ruthless military response against its top leadership has practically crippled their separatist movement. Search operations are still on to trace out any more militants with the security agencies.
The prime minister also discussed the attack with Balochistan Chief Minister Sarfaraz Bugti and received a briefing on the rescue operation. Terming the assault as atrocious, the Prime Minister said though it shocked the nation, the nation is still firm in its commitment towards peace and security. He also expressed condolences to those who lost their lives, including innocent civilians and security personnel, and prayed for the quick recovery of the injured.
In this respect, the prime minister reiterated that Pakistan would continue to bolster its resolve against terrorism, adding that, in fact, the militia behind the attack had also been neutralised.