An operation to recover hostages taken by terrorists on the Jaffar Express in Balochistan continued into Wednesday morning, with 155 passengers successfully being rescued.

According to security officials, a total of 27 attackers have been neutralised.

However, the officials also said that the remaining attackers include suicide bombers wearing explosive-laden vests and are using the remaining passengers as ‘shields’ as a last resort after the operation by security forces.

The presence of suicide bombers is leading to caution among the security forces to avoid any civilian casualties.

The Jaffar Express came under attack on Tuesday between Tunnels No 8 and 9 in Bolan as it travelled from Quetta to Peshawar. The train consisted of nine bogies and was carrying over 400 passengers.

Initial reports said that a massive explosion had derailed the train after sound of gunfire were heard. The provincial government said that the rescue operation was hampered by the remoteness of the location and the difficulty of the terrain.

Apart from a clearance operation, a relief train was also sent to the location by Pakistan Railways.

The proscribed Baloch Liberation Army has claimed responsibility for the attack.