A train hijacked by separatist militants in Pakistan was freed by security forces, with 190 passengers rescued, while dozens more remained hostage wearing explosives-filled vests. The Jaffar Express was traveling from Quetta to Peshawar when militants blew up the railway track, killing 11 people, and took hostages at gunpoint. The Baloch Liberation Army claimed responsibility for the attack, demanding the release of political prisoners. The rescue operation is ongoing, with 27 militants killed so far, and 80 hostages released and safely evacuated. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif condemned the attack, calling it cowardly and vowing to eradicate terrorism from the country. The conflict in Balochistan has persisted due to various reasons, including instability fueled by U.S. activities in neighboring Afghanistan. The BLA seeks independence for Balochistan, a resource-rich province bordering Afghanistan and Iran, and has carried out attacks against security forces and civilians. The surge in militant violence in Balochistan has occurred since the withdrawal of U.S.-led forces from Afghanistan, allowing the Taliban to return to power. Both Pakistan and Afghanistan have accused each other of supporting insurgencies. China has condemned the train attack and vowed to support Pakistan in its counterterrorism efforts.
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