Pakistan train hijack: United Nations General Secretary Antonio Gutaras has strongly condemned a terrorist attack on a train in Balochistan province of Pakistan and called for immediate release of those held hostage. The United Nations chief stressed that attacks on common citizens are unacceptable.
A statement issued by General Secretary spokesperson Stephen Dujarik said, “General Secretary strongly condemns the kidnapping of the train in Pakistan’s Balochistan province.” The statement said that Gutaras are very concerned about those held hostage and call on their immediate release.
16 terrorists killed
Security forces killed at least 16 terrorists and rescued 104 passengers after a passenger train was attacked by Baloch militants in a tunnel in a tunnel in Pakistan’s disturbed Balochistan province on Tuesday. Security officials gave this information.
Officials said that in nine coaches, about 400 passengers were going from Jafar Express Quetta to Peshawar in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, when it was shot between Gudlar and Piru Konari areas on Tuesday afternoon. The Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA) claimed responsibility for this attack.
‘Campaign will continue’
Officials said that until all the passengers are expelled from the train, the campaign against the terrorists will continue. It is said that other terrorists have taken some passengers to the hilly areas and the security forces chased them in the dark. The source said that the passengers rescued include 58 men, 31 women and 15 children and they have been sent by another train to Mach (a city in Kachhi district of Balochistan province of Pakistan).
He said, “Terrorists have now formed small groups to try to escape by taking the help of darkness, but security forces have surrounded the tunnel and the remaining passengers will also be saved soon.” Balochistan government spokesperson Shahid Rind said that security forces first achieved work in getting 80 passengers from a compartment – 43 men, 26 women, 26 women and 11 children.