Security forces rescue 104 hostages, eliminate 16 terrorists in Bolan train attack
Pakistan
The train came under attack while passing through Pehro Kunri in Bolan
QEUTTA (Dunya News) – Security forces have launched a clearance operation in Balochistan's Bolan region after terrorists took passengers of the Jaffar Express hostage.
According to security sources, at least 16 attackers have been neutralised, and 104 civilians have been safely rescued.
The Jaffar Express, carrying over 400 passengers in nine carriages, was traveling from Quetta to Peshawar when it was ambushed. Security sources confirmed that among the rescued passengers are 58 men, 31 women, and 15 children.
Efforts are ongoing to free the remaining hostages, with forces tightening the cordon around the militants.
Following the security forces' operation, the attackers split into small groups. Injured passengers were swiftly transported to a nearby hospital for urgent medical care.
As the attack unfolded, security personnel quickly surrounded the train, leading to a heavy exchange of gunfire.
Sources revealed that the terrorists are in contact with their handler in Afghanistan and are using women and children as human shields, making the operation more delicate.
Due to the presence of civilians, security forces are proceeding with extreme caution. Additionally, the rugged terrain of the area has further complicated the operation.
According to security officials, the assailants bombed the railway track before boarding the train and opened fire on the locomotive, injuring the train driver
According to sources, the train departed Quetta at 9:30am and came under attack while passing through Pehro Kunri area in Bolan region.
Security forces cordoned off the area, which falls within the mountainous terrain near Machh. Mobile services in the area are unavailable.
The Balochistan government spokesperson said the nature of the attack was being assessed, with the possibility of a terrorist incident not being ruled out.
Meanwhile, a group of 57 passengers out of 104 rescued by the security forces reached Quetta on late Tuesday night.
According to sources, the group had boarded a cargo train to Mach railway station from where they were brought to Quetta under tight security arrangement. Relatives of the passengers were present at the railway station to receive their loved ones.
Emergency declared
Emergency has been declared at Sibbi Hospital, and ambulances have been dispatched to the scene.
The provincial government ordered emergency measures after the tragic incident.
“There are reports of intense firing at a Jaffar Express [train], which was heading from Quetta to Peshawar, between Pehro Kunri and Gadalar,” Balochistan government spokesperson Shahid Rind said in a statement.
Meanwhile, an emergency has also been declared at Quetta's Civil Hospital.
Condemnations pour in
President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif on Tuesday strongly condemned a terrorist attack on Jaffar Express in Balochistan province and praised the security forces for their effective and timely response.
The president lauded the valour of security forces for rescuing the passengers of Jaffar Express and said that attacks on innocent civilians and passengers were inhuman and condemnable acts.
The Baloch nation strongly opposed those elements who had taken unarmed passengers, elders and children as hostage, he added.
The president said neither any religion nor a society allowed such repugnant acts.
He also prayed for the early recovery of those who sustained injuries during the attack, President Secretariat Press Wing said in a press release.
The prime minister said that security forces officers and personnel were eliminating terrorists with bravely and professional capabilities during the ongoing response.
He said despite difficult terrain, the morale of the security forces was high and they were pushing back the coward terrorists with their timely action.
The prime minister expressed the hope that the security operation would soon meet with success and the terrorists would be eliminated, PM Office Media Wing said in a press release.
