In a major counter-terrorism operation, the Pakistan Army announced today that more than 300 hostages have been freed from the Jaffar Express following an audacious attack by militants in Balochistan province. Security forces, including units from the Pakistan Air Force, Special Services Group, Army, and Frontier Corps, have confirmed that all 33 terrorists involved were killed during the clearance operation.
The Attack
According to Lieutenant General Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry, Director General of the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), militants affiliated with the Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA) executed a coordinated assault on the train on March 11 near Bolan. The attackers first blew up a section of the railway track before hijacking the train, which was carrying over 400 passengers. During the initial phase of the incident, 21 passengers and four military personnel were martyred.
“The terrorists deliberately used hostages, including women and children, as human shields. They even positioned suicide bombers among the hostages, who were later neutralized by our snipers,” Lt Gen Chaudhry explained during his briefing.
Swift Response and Operation Details
Security forces rapidly mobilized and cordoned off the scene in the remote, mountainous Mushqaf area of Bolan. Despite the challenging terrain, the operation progressed with exceptional coordination. According to Lt Gen Chaudhry, the military executed a meticulous plan, clearing each train coach one by one and ensuring that no innocent lives were harmed during the rescue process.
“Around 100 passengers were rescued on the evening of March 11, and by today, the majority of the remaining hostages had been secured. The terrorists’ communication with their facilitators in Afghanistan via satellite phone was also intercepted during the operation,” he added.
Aftermath and Official Reactions
Following the clearance, a comprehensive sanitization operation was launched in the affected area. President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif both expressed their condolences for the losses incurred during the initial assault. The President paid tribute to the martyrs and lauded the valor of the security forces, while the Prime Minister emphasized the professionalism and dynamic leadership that led to the operation’s success. The Prime Minister also announced his imminent visit to Balochistan to assess the situation and extend solidarity with the affected communities.
“The barbaric act on the Jaffar Express is a reminder that no one can be allowed to terrorize our citizens in public spaces. The perpetrators, driven by misguided ideology, have been sent to hell, and justice will be served against all those who facilitate such heinous acts,” stated Lt Gen Chaudhry.
Wider Implications
The incident marks a significant escalation in the tactics used by militant groups in the region, with the hijacking of a passenger train representing a new and dangerous form of attack. Pakistani security agencies have confirmed that a search operation is still underway to locate any passengers who might have fled into the surrounding areas during the assault. Meanwhile, railway services, including the Bolan Mail and other regional routes, have been temporarily suspended as authorities review security measures.
This operation stands as a testament to the resolve of Pakistan’s security forces in the face of terrorism. The military reiterated its commitment to eradicating all forms of terrorism and protecting innocent lives at all costs, promising that those behind this cowardly act will be relentlessly pursued and brought to justice.
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