16 terrorists killed, 104 passengers rescued in Pakistan train attack

New Delhi (The Uttam Hindu):  At least 16 militants were killed, and 104 passengers were rescued by security forces after Baloch militants hijacked a passenger train in a tunnel in Pakistan's volatile Balochistan province on Tuesday, according to security officials.

The Jaffar Express, with around 400 passengers aboard, was traveling from Quetta to Peshawar when armed militants intercepted it in a tunnel near the mountainous regions of Gudalar and Piru Kunri on Tuesday afternoon.

The Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA) later took responsibility for the attack.

Security sources confirmed that, during an ongoing gun battle with the militants, 104 passengers, including women and children, were rescued.

"Sixteen militants have been killed in the gunfight, and many others have been injured," one source reported, adding that the operation would continue until all passengers are safely evacuated from the train.