SIBBI – Pakistani security forces successfully rescued 104 hostages, including 58 men, 31 women, and 15 children, after a deadly attack on Jaffar Express in the Bolan Pass area in restive Balochistan.
The attackers stopped the passenger train inside tunnel, taking approximately 400 passengers hostage in a remote and difficult-to-access location.
Despite the challenging terrain and the attackers’ use of human shields, security forces swiftly secured the area and launched a focused rescue operation. The situation remained tense as the terrorists split into smaller groups to evade capture, but with additional reinforcements arriving, the security forces continued their strategic efforts.
The rescue operation, which was conducted under intense gunfire, led to the successful freeing of more than a quarter of the hostages. Tragically, 16 terrorists have been killed, and several others sustained injuries during the ongoing clash.
Meanwhile, 17 injured passengers were swiftly transported to nearby hospitals for medical treatment. Efforts to rescue the remaining hostages and neutralize the attackers are ongoing, as security forces continue to ensure the safety of all remaining passengers.
The swift response from security personnel has been praised by local officials, as the operation remains critical to ensuring the safe evacuation of the remaining passengers.
Balochistan Train Attack – What We Know So Far
Train Location: The train with over 400 passengers was stopped near a tunnel, 24 kilometers from the main road, with no mobile or telephone service in the area.
Train Body: The train had 9 carriages and over 400 passengers on board.
Attack Details: Unknown armed individuals opened heavy fire on the passenger train.
BLA: Baloch Liberation Army (BLA) claimed responsibility for the terror attack.
Emergency Response: Helicopter flights from Quetta to Bolan Pass are underway to assess the situation in the difficult-to-access area.
Medical Response: An emergency has been declared at Civil Hospital Sibi to handle the situation.
The attack led to an emergency being declared at Sibi’s government hospital. Helicopters have been deployed from Quetta to assist. Medical Superintendent of Sibi Hospital told media that ambulances have been dispatched and medical staff is on high alert.
However, reaching the location is difficult due to network issues and terrain. Authorities are in contact with railway officials, and no further updates have been received yet.
Balochistan government spokesperson Shahid Rand confirmed the attack, revealing that heavy firing had been reported during the assault. After the incident, the government declared an emergency at the Sibi Hospital, and ambulances were dispatched to the scene to assist the injured.
Senior railway official informed that train was forced to halt near Sibi due to the attack. He further mentioned that the passenger train departed from Quetta early in the morning and was en route to Peshawar when the attack occurred.
The train remains stranded in the area after the attack. The government spokesperson suggested that the attack could be related to terrorism, though investigations are still underway.
Security forces have already been dispatched to the affected area. Due to the challenging mountainous terrain, access to the location has been difficult, but a relief train has been sent to the site to provide assistance.
Balochistan Liberation Army, the banned outfit, claimed responsibility of the attack amid surge in insurgency in sparsely populated region.
Authorities are closely monitoring the situation, and further updates will be provided as investigations continue.
