QUETTA: At least 155 passengers have been rescued and 27 terrorists killed as the operation continues against terrorists who attacked Jaffar Express yesterday afternoon. The terrorists are using some passengers as human shields.
Terrorists attacked the Jaffar Express, on route to Peshawar from Quetta, in a rugged part of Balochistan, taking more than 400 passengers hostage, including a sizeable number of security personnel.
According to Imran Hayat, the Railways Divisional Superintendent (DS) in Quetta, ten people, including the driver of the locomotive and eight security personnel, had lost their lives.
According to security sources, some of the terrorists are wearing suicide jackets and are using passengers as their human shields. The terrorists are in contact with their handlers in Afghanistan.
According to security sources, the security forces are employing extra caution due to the hostages.
The banned Baloch Liberation Army (BLA) claimed responsibility for the attack, and claimed to have taken a large number of people hostage.
The group also claimed that they had freed a number of people, including women and children.
This marks the second attack on Jaffar Express by Baloch insurgents in recent months.
In November 2024, a blast at Quetta Railway Station killed 26 people and injured 62, including 12 personnel from Levies, FC, and the Army.
According to military officials, the area of the latest attack is remote and difficult to access. However, security forces have cordoned off the area and launched a clearance operation, which will continue until all militants are eliminated.
Railway officials stated that due to the lack of mobile and telephone networks in the attack area, communication with the train crew remains impossible.
Interior Minister expresses full support to Balochistan government
Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi remains in constant contact with Balochistan Chief Minister following the attack on Jaffer Express.
He expressed full solidarity with the Balochistan government and assured all possible support.
Both leaders praised the security forces for conducting an effective operation against the terrorists.
They reiterated their commitment to utilising all necessary resources to eliminate terrorism.
“We are providing all possible support to the provincial government to maintain peace,” said Mohsin Naqvi.
He vowed to go to any extent to eliminate terrorists and their facilitators.
Who is the BLA behind Jaffar Express hijacking?