Monitoring Desk
Security forces successfully rescued 104 hostages and neutralized 16 terrorists in a high-stakes operation following an attack on the Jaffar Express in Balochistan’s Bolan region. The attack occurred as the train, carrying over 400 passengers in nine carriages, was en route from Quetta to Peshawar.
According to security sources, among the rescued passengers are 58 men, 31 women, and 15 children. Efforts are still ongoing to ensure the safety of any remaining hostages, as security forces continue to tighten the cordon around the militants.
The assailants had bombed the railway track before boarding the train, opening fire and injuring the locomotive driver. Security personnel swiftly surrounded the train, leading to a fierce exchange of gunfire. As the operation progressed, the attackers split into small groups, using women and children as human shields, making the security response more complex.
Sources revealed that the terrorists were in contact with their handler in Afghanistan, further escalating concerns about cross-border militancy. The rugged terrain of the region has also posed additional challenges for security forces.
Following the operation, 57 of the rescued passengers were transported to Quetta under tight security arrangements. They initially traveled on a cargo train to Mach railway station before reaching Quetta, where emotional reunions took place with their waiting relatives.
Meanwhile, the Balochistan government has declared an emergency at Sibbi Hospital and Quetta’s Civil Hospital to provide immediate medical assistance to injured passengers. Ambulances were dispatched to the scene to ensure swift medical attention.
Balochistan government spokesperson Shahid Rind stated that authorities are assessing the nature of the attack, emphasizing that the possibility of a terrorist incident cannot be ruled out. Mobile services in the area remain unavailable as security forces continue their clearance operation.
The incident underscores the ongoing security challenges in Balochistan, with officials vowing to intensify efforts to combat militancy in the region.
