Islamabad: Pakistani security forces successfully eliminated 16 terrorists during a high-risk operation to rescue hostages following a deadly attack on the Jaffar Express in Balochistan’s Kacchi district. According to reports from IANS and Xinhua, the security operation was launched in response to an ambush by armed militants on Tuesday.
During the rescue mission, security officials forced the attackers into smaller groups, leading to a fierce gunfight. In the process, 104 hostages were freed, including 58 men, 31 women, and 15 children. Additionally, 17 injured passengers were rushed to a nearby hospital for medical treatment. Officials confirmed that efforts were still underway to ensure the complete release of any remaining captives.
“Additional troops have been deployed, and the security forces have encircled the remaining terrorists. The operation will continue until every last militant is neutralized,” an official statement said.
The attack occurred in a remote mountainous area where communication is severely restricted. Senior Pakistan Railways official Muhammad Kashif revealed that the Jaffar Express, carrying approximately 450 passengers from Quetta to Peshawar, was forced to stop after an explosion damaged the railway track. Following this, heavily armed militants opened fire, injuring the train driver and several passengers.
Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif strongly condemned the attack and praised the security forces for their bravery. “Despite the challenging terrain, the morale of our forces remains high. We will not rest until terrorism is completely eradicated from Pakistan,” he declared.
Sharif further vowed that attempts to destabilize the country would be crushed, warning that anti-state elements would not succeed in their plans. The banned militant group, Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA), later claimed responsibility for the assault via a statement on social media.
This latest attack highlights the ongoing security challenges in Balochistan, where separatist groups frequently target infrastructure and security forces. The Pakistani government has reaffirmed its commitment to countering terrorism and ensuring the safety of its citizens.
