Latest on the hostage crisis in Pakistan: Army launches operation... 'We will execute them all' threat

Compiled by: Suat TEKİN - 12punto.com.tr

The Pakistani Ministry of Interior announced that more than 400 passengers, including around 200 high-ranking Pakistani officials, were taken hostage after terrorists attacked the Jaffar Express in the Dhadar region of the Bolan Pass in Balochistan on Tuesday. Stating that they launched an operation to rescue the hostages today, Pakistani officials claimed that more than 150 people have been rescued and 27 terrorists have been killed. Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif condemned the attack, claiming that security forces had 'repelled' the militants. The Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA), which claimed responsibility for the attack, alleged that it had released women, children, and elderly hostages. The BLA threatened to kill 'all' of the hostages if the operation continues.

President Asif Ali Zardari announced that more than 150 people taken hostage in the attack on the Jaffar Express were rescued by security forces. The statement indicated that 27 terrorists were killed during the operation. The Pakistani army shared information that it is continuing its operations around the Mashkaf Tunnel.

According to reports from the state media outlet Radio Pakistan, security forces rescued 155 passengers, including women and children. Security forces stated that the terrorists were using the hostages as human shields and had placed suicide bombers near the passengers. It was noted that the operation was therefore being conducted with extreme caution.

In a report by Reuters, it was claimed that police officer Rana Dilawar, who is on duty in the region, reported that at least 10 people, including the locomotive driver and 8 security personnel, had lost their lives. Dilawar stated that operations are ongoing.

The BLA claimed responsibility for the attack. The group alleged that women, children, and the elderly among the hostages had been released. International agencies reminded that 'local sources' have not confirmed these claims. The BLA demanded that the Pakistani army release Baloch political prisoners within 48 hours.

Emphasizing that the 'operation must be stopped immediately,' the group stated the following:

'As the Balochistan Liberation Army, we are ready for a hostage exchange. If Baloch political prisoners are not released within 48 hours, we will execute all of the hostages.'

'THEY DESERVE NO CONCESSIONS'

President Zardari and Prime Minister Sharif condemned the attack in strong terms. While Zardari said, 'The Baloch people reject those who attack innocent passengers,' Sharif stated that the 'monstrous terrorists' deserve no concessions.

According to the Pakistani news agency Dawn, security forces are continuing their operations around the Mashkaf Tunnel. Officials emphasized that the operation will continue until the last terrorist is neutralized. It was noted that 104 rescued passengers, consisting of 58 men, 31 women, and 15 children, were transported to the nearby Paneer train station.

The Pakistani army reported that the Mashkaf Tunnel is located 157 kilometers from Quetta and 21 kilometers from Sibi. Officials underscored that the operation is being conducted under difficult conditions due to the isolated nature of the region.

The Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (HRCP) condemned the attack and demanded the immediate release of the hostages. The HRCP called for the problems in Balochistan to be resolved through peaceful and political means.

It was announced that critical details will not be shared with the public due to the sensitive nature of the operation.

News Source: 12punto