Jaffar Express
The Pakistan Army, in collaboration with the Pakistan Air Force (PAF), Frontier Corps (FC), and Special Services Group (SSG), has successfully concluded a high-risk rescue operation against terrorists who attacked the Jaffar Express near Bolan in Balochistan.
The well-coordinated military response resulted in the elimination of all 33 terrorists involved in the assault, while all hostages were safely rescued in a phased manner, according to Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) Director General Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry.
Providing details of the operation, DG ISPR told a private news channel that the terrorists had deliberately derailed the train around 1 a.m. on March 11, committing a brutal act of terrorism against innocent civilians.
Tragically, 21 passengers lost their lives due to the militants’ ruthless violence. In response, security forces swiftly initiated a well-planned rescue and recovery operation, executing it with utmost precision to minimize harm to the hostages.
“Targeting civilians on roads, trains, and markets cannot and will not be tolerated,” DG ISPR emphasized, reaffirming the military’s unwavering commitment to eliminating terrorist threats from Pakistan.
During the initial phase of the operation, four FC personnel embraced martyrdom while bravely confronting the militants. However, no soldier was martyred during the final clearance operation on Wednesday. A bomb disposal squad was deployed to inspect the train for potential explosives, ensuring the safety of all passengers and personnel involved.
Investigations revealed that the attackers were in communication with elements based in Afghanistan. While most of the terrorists were eliminated during the operation, some managed to escape to nearby areas, prompting ongoing efforts to track them down.
According to railway authorities, the Jaffar Express had 440 passengers on board when the attack occurred. Despite the challenging terrain and the terrorists using hostages as human shields, security forces conducted a highly organized and strategic operation, rescuing a large number of passengers without additional casualties.
The military’s spokesperson declared that the attack marked a significant turning point in Pakistan’s counterterrorism efforts. He highlighted that the military’s strategy has now evolved, signaling a decisive shift in how terrorist threats will be handled moving forward.
During the operation, security forces specifically targeted suicide bombers, which led to hostages dispersing in search of safety. The terrorists had divided the hostages into three separate groups, each containing a suicide bomber. However, the Pakistan Army, demonstrating remarkable precision, ensured that not a single hostage was harmed during the entire operation.
“These terrorists have no connection with Islam, Pakistan, or Balochistan,” DG ISPR stressed, reinforcing the state’s commitment to rooting out terrorism in all its forms.
Furthermore, DG Chaudhry condemned the Indian media for spreading misleading reports regarding the incident. He stated that within minutes of the attack, false narratives were being circulated to manipulate public perception and distort the facts.
Earlier, security sources had confirmed that 190 passengers were safely rescued while 30 terrorists were eliminated during the operation. Women and children, who were among the hostages and were reportedly being used as human shields, were also safely freed. The presence of suicide bombers among the terrorists had necessitated an extremely cautious and calculated approach by the security forces to avoid unnecessary casualties.
Meanwhile, a relief train carrying 40 additional released hostages from the Panir railway station was dispatched from Quetta. Security personnel were also reported to be on board the train, as operations continued to fully reclaim control of the Jaffar Express near Mushkaf.
The successful completion of this operation marks a significant victory for Pakistan’s security forces in their ongoing battle against terrorism, reaffirming the country’s resolve to eradicate militancy and safeguard its citizens.
