Security forces rescue 80 after train passengers held hostage in Bolan

#Security #forces #rescue #train #passengers #held #hostage #Bolan

QUETTA: After the Jaffar Express was taken hostage in the Bolan area of ​​Balochistan on Tuesday, a group of terrorists, security forces, have successfully rescued at least 80 hostages, including women and children.

According to security sources, the train, which was riding more than 400 passengers in nine bogies, was traveling from Quetta to Peshawar to Peshawar when it was attacked.

The savers include 53 men, 26 women and 11 children. Security sources are undergoing operations to protect other hostages, and the scope of terrorists is being tightened.

Immediately the onset of the attack. Later, the security forces surrounded and surrounded the train, and there was a huge exchange of fire.

Security sources said the terrorists behind the attack are in touch with their mastermind in Afghanistan and they are using women and children as human shields.

Due to the presence of citizens in the ship, the operation is being carried out very carefully.

Security sources explained that the operation is more complicated by the difficult regions of the area.

Security forces said that a section of the train was stopped by the terrorists after the terrorists, adding that they also opened fire on locomoto, which injured the driver.

The alleged security officials and attackers allegedly exchanged shootings.

The terrorists then took control of the train in a tunnel. This area is a hill near the Afghan border.

“More than 450 passengers have been taken hostage by gunmen in the province’s capital, Quetta, a senior railway official, Mohammad Kashif, told AFP.”

“Passengers include women and children,” he added.

Security sources added that despite the difficult route, the forces reached the scene to launch the operation in the Muskaf area of ​​Bolan district of Balochistan.

Emergency measures

Spokesman Shahid Rind said that the Balochistan government has implemented emergency measures, and all the institutions have been mobilized to deal with the situation.

A relief train and security forces were also dispatched to the site.

Meanwhile, an emergency has been imposed in Sibi and Civil Hospital Quetta.

According to the provincial health department, all medical and paramedical staff have been summoned to the civil hospital and several wards were evacuated to deal with the emergency.

After the train shooting, an emergency information desk has been set up at Quetta Railway Station.

A railway official was appointed to distribute related developments related to the Jaffar Express incident.

Put condemnation

Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi condemned the attack and prayed for the immediate recovery of the injured. He added: “The beasts who fired at innocent passengers deserve no relaxation.”

Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari condemned the attack on the passenger train and said, “Terrorist is the biggest threat to Pakistan.”

“Targeting innocent civilians by terrorists is a cowardly act,” he added.

Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur also condemned the Jaffar Express incident and expressed concern over the safety of the passengers of the train taken hostage in Balochistan. He expressed his desire for his safe recovery.

Awami National Party (ANP) president Aimal Wali Khan said attacks on innocent civilians were unacceptable and demanded strict action against terrorists.

According to data released by a think tank, Pakistan Institute for Conflict and Security Studies (PICS), the country saw a sharp rise in terrorist attacks in January 2025, which increased by 42 % over the previous month.

Statistics have revealed that at least 74 militants were recorded nationwide, resulting in 91 deaths, including 35 security personnel, 20 civilians, and 36 militants. Another 117 people were injured, including 53 security forces personnel, 54 civilians, and 10 militants.

Balochistan also increased the activity of militants, at least 24 attacks, including 26 lives, including 11 security personnel, six civilians, and nine militants.