Security forces rescue 155 hostages, kill 27 terrorists in Jaffar Express Attack as the crucial clearance operation is still underway.
Security forces have successfully eliminated 27 terrorists and rescued 155 passengers as they continue an operation to free the remaining hostages following the attack on the Jaffar Express in the Bolan Pass region of Balochistan.
Authorities have vowed to sustain the mission until all terrorists are neutralized. Reports suggest that suicide bombers are also present inside the train, further complicating the operation.
The attack occurred a day earlier when armed assailants halted the train inside a tunnel, taking nearly 500 passengers hostage in a remote and inaccessible area.
Despite the challenging landscape and the terrorists’ use of hostages as human shields, security forces quickly secured the vicinity and launched a rescue mission. The attackers attempted to evade capture by splitting into smaller groups, but with additional reinforcements arriving, security forces intensified their strategic efforts.
Amid heavy gunfire, the ongoing operation has so far resulted in the successful release of more than a quarter of the hostages.
Meanwhile, 17 injured passengers have been transported to nearby hospitals for urgent medical care.
Local authorities have praised the swift response of security personnel, emphasizing that the rescue mission remains crucial in ensuring the safe evacuation of the remaining hostages.
Balochistan Train Attack – Key Details
- Location: The Jaffar Express, carrying around 500 passengers, was intercepted near a tunnel, 24 kilometers from the main road, in an area without mobile or telephone connectivity.
- Train Composition: The train comprised nine carriages and transported over 400 passengers.
- Perpetrators: The Baloch Liberation Army (BLA) has claimed responsibility for the attack.
- Medical Emergency: Authorities have declared an emergency at nearby hospitals to manage the crisis.
In response to the attack, an emergency was declared at the Sibi Government Hospital, with helicopters deployed from Quetta to support rescue efforts. The hospital’s Medical Superintendent confirmed that ambulances had been dispatched and medical staff were on high alert.
Leaders Condemn the Attack
President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif strongly denounced the terrorist attack on the Jaffar Express in the Dhadar area of Bolan Pass.
Both leaders commended the bravery and professionalism displayed by security forces during the operation.
President Zardari condemned the targeting of unarmed civilians and passengers, calling such acts inhumane and contrary to Baloch traditions. He asserted that the Baloch people reject such violence and those who threaten innocent lives.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif emphasized the resilience and determination of security forces, highlighting their morale despite the difficult terrain. He noted that the terrorists who carried out this attack have no affiliation with Islam, Pakistan, or Balochistan, especially given that they targeted innocent passengers during the sacred month of Ramadan.
The Prime Minister reaffirmed the nation’s unwavering commitment to eradicating terrorism, vowing to continue the fight until the menace is completely eliminated. He stressed that the entire nation stands in solidarity with its security forces and will thwart any attempt to destabilize the country.
Shehbaz Sharif further vowed that Pakistan will never allow anti-state elements to succeed in their malicious intentions.
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