Pakistan: Security Forces Announce End of Jaffar Express Operation, 346 Hostages Freed
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Synopsis
The Pakistani military has successfully concluded a 24-hour standoff with BLA militants, rescuing 346 hostages from the Jaffar Express train attack in Bolan district. The operation involved neutralizing around 50 attackers, ensuring the safety of the passengers, and has drawn international condemnation.
Key Takeaways
- 346 hostages rescued from Jaffar Express train.
- 50 attackers neutralized during the operation.
- Militants used women and children as human shields.
- Operation executed with caution by security forces.
- Attack condemned by multiple countries.
Islamabad, March 12 (NationPress) The prolonged standoff between the Baloch Liberation Army's (BLA) Majeed Brigade and Pakistani military forces has concluded after more than 24 hours following the severe attack on the Jaffar Express passenger train in the Bolan district, according to multiple reports released on Wednesday evening.
Sources have confirmed that the military operation aimed at neutralizing the assailants and securing the release of hostages has been successfully wrapped up, resulting in the rescue of at least 346 hostages and the neutralization of approximately 50 attackers.
The train, which was en route from Quetta, the capital of Balochistan, to Peshawar, the provincial capital of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP), was overtaken by BLA militants, holding over 400 individuals captive.
"Operation concluded, site has been cleared. All hostages released. Total rescued 346 - 168 last night and 178 rescued today. 50 terrorists eliminated," a reliable security source confirmed.
Reports indicate that the militants resorted to using women and children as human shields during the operation.
"The clearance operation was executed with utmost care and expertise, saving numerous lives. The precise number of passengers affected by the terrorists' brutality is currently being assessed," the source further added.
It was also disclosed that the orchestrator behind the assault was in continuous contact with the militants from Afghanistan.
The BLA separatist group has claimed responsibility for the attack, making various unverifiable assertions about releasing all women and children while keeping over 200 hostages from Punjab province, who were affiliated with security forces. They also alleged the killing of at least 20 of the abducted security personnel after verifying their identities.
On Tuesday, a significant number of BLA militants compelled the Jaffar Express passenger train to stop by sabotaging the tracks in the Dhabar area of Bolan Pass, Balochistan.
Authorities from the railway and security sectors confirmed that the assault occurred near Tunnel No. 8 of Bolan Pass.
The Pakistani military initiated a clearance operation, accessing the site via cargo trains. Initial reports suggest that hostages freed in the first phase had to trek at least seven kilometers to reach a nearby railway station where security personnel awaited.
"We were under fire from all directions. It was terrifying; we could hear gunshots from everywhere. Passengers were attempting to shield themselves with cloths. It was horrific," recounted a rescued hostage who shared his harrowing experience during the incident.
"We walked for about three-and-a-half hours over seven kilometers before arriving at the Panir railway station. The militants instructed us not to look back and to keep moving. Some of the women had to walk for hours without shoes to reach the Panir station," he elaborated.
The attack has drawn condemnation from several nations, including the United States, Iran, and Germany.
The Chief Minister of Balochistan convened a high-level meeting regarding law and order, where he was briefed on the Jaffar Express incident.
"They aim to enforce their ideology through violence. Should we permit them to abduct people and execute them?" questioned Balochistan CM Sarfaraz Bugti.
Bugti highlighted that many passengers aboard the train were unarmed soldiers returning home while on leave.
"There are rules in warfare and laws to be followed. What will history record? That innocent teachers, barbers, and doctors were slaughtered? Anyone perpetrating violence against the state will be dealt with severely," he stated.
"Terrorists cannot claim even an inch of our territory. This attack is designed to create an illusion of chaos. The aspirations of anti-national factions to divide Pakistan will never materialize. We need to eliminate any ambiguity and rigorously combat terrorism," he concluded.
