Security forces rescue 155 hostages, including dozens of women and children. 27 militants involved in the hijacking of the Jaffar Express have been killed in the security operation. At least 400 passengers were onboard the nine-bogie train, which was running after a month-long suspension. The militants demanded the release of Baloch political prisoners and missing persons, whom they claimed had been forcibly disappeared by the Pakistani military. Pakistani security forces have faced major resistance from separatist groups like the BLA in Balochistan, which has been carrying out targeted attacks and killings of security personnel from other provinces in the country, especially Punjab. The situation continues to remain highly critical, sources said. The BLA has denied any casualties on their side, but they have claimed to have killed 30 soldiers, a claim that has not been confirmed by Pakistani authorities. Pakistan maintains that these militant groups are getting all their support from across the border in Afghanistan as the Taliban regime is supporting. Funding, facilitating and harbouring anti-Pakistan elements and promoting them to spread unrest.