Security forces stormed the hijacked Jaffar Express on Wednesday, ending the 30-hour siege in Balochistan’s Bolan area. They killed all 33 terrorists and successfully rescued over 300 passengers.
Lt-Gen Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry, the chief military spokesperson, reported that terrorists had killed 21 hostages during the siege. However, the security forces carefully executed the final rescue mission without harming civilians.
The crisis began on Tuesday when militants ambushed the train, blew up the tracks, and took passengers as hostages. The train, traveLling from Quetta to Peshawar, carried 440 people. “We freed many passengers, including women and children,” Chaudhry said. “The operation required great care and coordination.”
Read more: Islamabad on High Alert after Jaffar Express Attack
After the attack, the Army, Air Force and Frontier Corps launched a rescue mission, with Special Service Group (SSG) troops joining later. Soldiers meticulously cleared the train “bogey to bogey,” eliminating every terrorist.
Tragically, the terrorists killed 21 hostages before the security forces launched their final charge. Four soldiers also made the ultimate sacrifice, laying down their lives to protect others.
Once the rescue was complete, passengers returned to Quetta, where emotional reunions unfolded. Families hugged their loved ones, while some mourned their losses. One distraught mother cried, “My son is still in terrorist custody! Who will bring him back?”
Meanwhile, intelligence reports revealed that terrorist leaders in Afghanistan had orchestrated the attack. The ISPR urged the Afghan government to prevent terrorists from using its territory to target Pakistan.
In response, Pakistan Railways suspended train services in Balochistan. Authorities deployed additional security forces to the Bolan Valley, launching search operations to track any remaining attackers. Security was also tightened in Quetta and nearby areas to prevent further such incidents.
Balochistan Chief Minister Sarfaraz Bugti held a high-level meeting to review security measures. The Balochistan Assembly condemned the attack through a resolution, expressing full support for the security forces.
President Asif Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif praised the armed forces for their swift and decisive action. PM announced plans to visit Quetta to meet survivors and personally assess the security situation.
“Our brave soldiers eliminated 33 terrorists with extraordinary courage,” Shehbaz Sharif said. “Those who harm innocent people have no connection to Islam or this country.”
He vowed to continue fighting terrorism until Pakistan completely defeats the threat. “Cowardly acts like this will never shake our resolve for peace,” he declared.
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