Security forces eliminated 33 heavily armed terrorists, including suicide bombers, in a daring and intense operation and recued all hostages after the Jaffar Express was attacked near the Sibi district of Balochistan province on Tuesday, said the Inter Services Public Relations (ISPR) on Wednesday night.
The ISPR, the media wing of Pakistan Army, said in a statement that the terrorists had blown up the railway track and seized control of the train traveling from Quetta to Peshawar, taking passengers—including women, children, and the elderly—hostage and using them as human shields.
Despite the challenging circumstances, security forces executed a phased rescue operation with precision and professional excellence, saving numerous lives. Tragically, before the clearance operation commenced, the terrorists killed 21 innocent hostages.
The operation also saw the loss of four brave soldiers who embraced shahadat, sacrificing their lives to prevent further catastrophe and safeguard the passengers.
Following the operation, Pakistan’s security forces launched a sanitization effort in the area, vowing to bring the abettors of this heinous act to justice. Intelligence reports confirmed that the attack was orchestrated by terrorist ring leaders operating from Afghanistan, who maintained direct communication with the attackers throughout the incident.
Pakistan has called on the Interim Afghan Government to fulfill its responsibility and prevent its territory from being used for terrorist activities against Pakistan.
The security forces of Pakistan remain resolute in their commitment to eradicating terrorism in all its forms, with the sacrifices of both innocent civilians and courageous soldiers reinforcing their unwavering dedication to safeguarding the nation.
