In a recent operation, the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) successfully encircled Tel al-Sultan in Rafah, Gaza, with the objective of dismantling terror infrastructure sites and eliminating terrorists in the area. The mission aimed to reinforce control and expand the security zone in southern Gaza. During the nighttime operation, IDF troops encircled the area, neutralized several terrorists, and conducted a targeted raid on a terror infrastructure site. This site had been used as a command and control center for Hamas terrorists over the past few months. To ensure civilian safety, IDF troops facilitated the evacuation of civilians from the combat zone via organized routes. The IDF will continue to operate against terrorist organizations in Gaza to protect Israeli civil ians.
Gunmen from the Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA) have hijacked a train in Pakistan, taking around 450 passengers hostage and wounding the train driver. The militants are demanding the release of their prisoners and are threatening to blow up the train and execute all hostages if their demands aren't met.¹
The hijacking occurred on the Jaffar Express, which was traveling from Quetta to Peshawar. The train was held in a tunnel, and the driver was badly wounded in a gun battle. The BLA claims to have killed 30 government soldiers during the hijacking.
The Pakistani government has condemned the attack, with Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi calling the militants "beasts who fire on innocent passengers". The government has also imposed emergency measures in the region and is working to resolve the situation.
*Key Demands and Threats:*
- _Release of prisoners_: The BLA is demanding the immediate and unconditional release of their prisoners.
- _Threat to blow up the train_: The militants are threatening to blow up the train if their demands aren't met.
- _Threat to execute hostages_: The BLA is also threatening to execute all hostages if the Pakistani authorities attempt to intervene.
The situation is ongoing, with Pakistani security forces working to resolve the crisis.