Following the terrorist attack on the Jaffer Express traveling from Quetta to Peshawar in Bolan, security forces have continued their operation, rescuing 155 hostages so far and killing 27 terrorists.
According to a report citing security sources, the terrorists, including suicide bombers, are using innocent people as human shields, which is why security forces are proceeding with extreme caution to avoid harm to the hostages.
Earlier, among the 107 passengers rescued, there were 58 men, 31 women, and 15 children, while 17 injured individuals were shifted to the hospital.
Last night, under the supervision of security forces, a freight train carrying passengers arrived at Machh railway station, while other rescued individuals are also being transported to safe locations. Security sources stated that 27 terrorists have been “sent to hell” during the operation against them.
According to security sources, the terrorists are in contact with their foreign handlers via satellite phones. Due to the ongoing operation, they have split into small groups. Additional security personnel have been deployed, tightening the siege around the terrorists.
Train had over 400 passengers aboard its 9 carriages
Railway officials stated that Jaffer Express consisted of nine carriages and was carrying more than 400 passengers. The train departed from Quetta at 9 AM on Tuesday and was en route to Peshawar when a blast occurred on the tracks, followed by gunfire targeting the train. Security personnel on board returned fire, leading to an exchange of gunfire with the terrorists.
According to Levies officials, the shooting incident occurred in the Peeru Kunri area of the Kachhi district (Bolan) in Balochistan, injuring the train driver. The train is currently stationed inside a tunnel.
Security sources reported that terrorists stopped the Jaffer Express inside the tunnel and took passengers hostage. Despite the challenging and remote terrain, security forces arrived at the scene, cordoned off the area, and launched a clearance operation.
Most of the hostages were women and children, according to security sources.
Emergency declared in hospitals
According to the spokesperson for the Balochistan government, the train driver was injured in the terrorist attack. Following the incident, an emergency was declared in hospitals in Sibi and Quetta, and an emergency desk was set up at the Quetta railway station.
Authorities warn against fake news and propaganda
Government sources stated that anti-state social media accounts are engaged in misleading, false, and fake propaganda. Efforts are being made to create panic using AI-generated videos, old images, fake WhatsApp messages, and posters.
Indian media is also misleading people by airing analyses from self-exiled fugitive Baloch leaders. Therefore, the public is urged to rely on credible sources instead of deceptive and fabricated propaganda spread on social media.
