Passengers describe “court scenes” after kidnapping

Passengers released from a train confiscated by armed militants talked about the “court scenes”, which turned on board Jaffar in Pakistan.

“We kept their breath throughout the shooting, not knowing what would happen next,” said Iskak Nur, who was one of those aboard, said the BBC.

On Tuesday, he was one of the more than 400 passengers traveling from Peshawar when the army of Balochistan’s liberation (BLA) attacked and took the host number. The only known victim is the train driver, and rescue operations continue.

Military sources claim that 155 passengers were released and 27 militants were killed. No independent confirmation.

Security forces say they launched hundreds of troops to save the rest of the passengers. Authorities also opened helicopters and special forces staff.

BLA warned of “serious consequences” when trying to save hostages.

More than a dozen released passengers were taken to the hospital for treatment.

In the reports cited by the security service, some militants may have left the train, taking an unknown number of passengers to the surrounding mountainous.

At least 100 those on the train were members of security forces, officials said.

Muhammad Ashraf, who was traveling from flower to Lahore to visit the family, was among the passengers who managed to land the train late on Tuesday.

“There was a lot of fear among the passengers. It was a scene of the day,” he said.

The group then went almost four hours before the next railway station. Several men wore weaker passengers on their shoulders.

“We got a lot of difficulty to the station because we were tired and there were children and women with us,” he said.

Mr. Nur, who was traveling with his wife and two children, said that the original explosion on the train was “so intense” that one of his children fell out of place.

He and his wife tried to protect one child among the shooting.

“When the bullet comes our way, it will hit us, not children,” he said.

Muhammad, who was in the third train transport, reminded of the “unforgettable” attack and passengers affected by the panic.

“The attackers talked to each other in Balochi, and their leader has repeatedly told them to” watch “, especially the security officers to make sure that (attackers) do not lose them,” he said.

The attackers began to produce some residents of Balochistan, as well as women, children and elderly passengers, said Mr. Ihak on Tuesday, adding that he had been released when he told them that he was a resident of Balochistan, and they saw that he had children and women.

However, it is still unclear how many passengers are still held hostage.

Security forces say they have launched a serious operation to rescue the rest of the passengers, deploying hundreds of troops. Authorities also opened helicopters and special forces staff.

On Wednesday, the BBC saw dozens of wooden coffins loaded at the flower train station. The railway official said they were empty and transported to gather any possible victims.

BLA warned of “serious consequences” when an attempt was made to save those who hold it.

Blades leading Decades have arisen to gain independence And he started numerous deadly attacks, often focusing on police stations, rail lines and highways.

Operations for the fight against rebels in the impoverished Balochistan Army and Pakistan’s security forces are reportedly seen as thousands of people disappear without traces since the early 2000s. A Security forces are accused of crimes including torture and extrajudicial killingsThey deny the accusations.

Pakistani authorities, as well as several Western countries, including the UK and the US, have appointed a group of terrorist organization.

The Pakistani Human Rights Commission said it was “very concerned” by the train.

“We urge all the relevant stakeholders to establish urgent rights that rely on the problems faced by Balochistan’s citizens, and find a peaceful, political decision,” the statement said The statement on x.

United Nations Secretary General Antonio Gutteres “strongly condemned” the siege of the train, as well as urged to release the remaining passengers immediately.

Additional Azadeh Moshiri Report