Jaffar Express Hijacking Ends in Clearance Operation; 33 Terrorists Killed
Bolan, Balochistan: The Pakistan Army successfully carried out a clearance operation on Wednesday, eliminating all 33 terrorists involved in the hijacking of the Jaffar Express in Balochistan’s Bolan district, according to Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) Director General, Lieutenant General Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry.
Key Developments:
- Passengers Rescued, Heavy Casualties: While no passengers were harmed during the operation, 21 passengers were killed before the security forces intervened. Four Frontier Corps personnel also embraced martyrdom.
- Attack Execution: The banned Baloch Liberation Army (BLA) claimed responsibility for the attack. The terrorists bombed railway tracks, halting the train and opening fire on passengers, including women and children.
- Security Forces’ Response: Snipers neutralized suicide bombers, and commandos swiftly took control of the train, ensuring the safety of over 400 passengers on board.
- Cross-Border Links: The attackers were reportedly in contact with handlers in Afghanistan, highlighting the external influence in the attack.
- Railway Disruptions: Train services from Quetta remain suspended due to security concerns, and a help desk has been set up for passenger inquiries.
- Propaganda Concerns: Officials warn of misleading narratives circulating on social media, allegedly driven by Indian media and anti-state actors attempting to spread panic.
Government Response & Security Measures:
President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif strongly condemned the attack, vowing swift action against those responsible. Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi emphasized that such brutality against innocent civilians will not be tolerated.
The Jaffar Express attack underscores the persistent security threats in Balochistan and the challenges posed by cross-border terrorism. While the swift response by security forces prevented further casualties, the incident raises concerns over railway security in remote regions. Authorities have pledged to implement stricter measures to prevent future attacks and combat misinformation campaigns aimed at destabilizing the region.
