ISLAMABAD: Security forces have successfully rescued at least 155 hostages and neutralized 27 terrorists who hijacked the Jaffar Express in Balochistan’s Bolan district. Officials have vowed to continue the operation until all remaining militants are eliminated.
The train, carrying 400 passengers across nine bogies, was traveling from Quetta to Peshawar on Tuesday when a group of terrorists seized control, taking passengers hostage, according to security forces.
Operations are still underway to rescue the remaining captives, as some of the terrorists—some wearing suicide vests—are using passengers as human shields, security sources revealed. Due to the high-risk situation, security forces are proceeding with extreme caution.
One of the freed passengers expressed gratitude for the military’s swift action. “There was gunfire, but by the grace of Allah, the army and FC personnel brought us to safety,” he said.
Following the attack, railway officials announced a three-day suspension of the Bolan Mail and Jaffar Express services from Quetta. Additionally, the Quetta-to-Chaman passenger train has not yet departed.
Earlier reports confirmed that 57 rescued passengers were transported to Quetta, while 23 remained in Machh. Seventeen injured individuals were taken to a nearby hospital for urgent medical care.
Security forces launched the operation on Tuesday, prompting the militants to split into smaller groups. Despite the challenging mountainous terrain, forces swiftly reached the Mushqaf area in Bolan to initiate the rescue.
Authorities further disclosed that the attackers were using satellite phones to coordinate with international handlers, including a mastermind in Afghanistan. The presence of women and children as human shields has required extreme caution in the ongoing operation.
