Quetta (Pakistan), March 12 (LaPresse/AP) – Pakistani security forces engaged in a gunfight with separatist militants in an attempt to rescue around 300 hostages still aboard a hijacked train in the country's southwest.
Pakistani officials reported that the hostages were surrounded by militants wearing explosive-laden vests. Government spokesperson Shahid Rind stated that Pakistani forces, supported by helicopters, were responding to what he described as "an act of terrorism." At least 27 militants have been killed.
Security forces have managed to rescue more than 150 of the 450 passengers on board the train, which was hijacked yesterday as it entered a tunnel in the Bolan district of Balochistan province.
The Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA) has claimed responsibility for the attack, stating that they are open to negotiations for a prisoner exchange. So far, the government has not responded to their proposal. BLA spokesperson Jeeyand Baloch said the group is willing to release the passengers if the government agrees to free imprisoned militants.