Quetta (Web Desk): The security forces' hostage rescue operation to free the passengers of the Jaffer Express in Balochistan's Bolan entered its final stage on Wednesday as security sources confirmed that most of those taken captive were freed, the state media reported.
According to security sources, a large number of hostages, including women and children, who were being used as human shields, have been rescued.
As per the security sources, during the clearance operation, extreme caution and skill were demonstrated to save innocent lives.
However, the number of passengers who were martyred due to the prior brutality of the terrorists is being determined.
The security sources confirmed that all terrorists present at the scene have been sent to the hell.
Earlier, Security forces managed to rescue 190 passengers so far, including women and children, and have eliminated 30 terrorists in the ongoing clearance operation against heavily armed terrorists who stormed and hijacked Quetta-Peshawar Jaffar Expressed and held the passengers hostage.
The attack occurred on Tuesday, near the Mashkaf Tunnel, about 157 kilometers from Quetta, where over 400 passengers, including security personnel, were taken captive.
The situation remains tense, as there are still terrorists holding hostages, and the operation continues with utmost care.
According to security sources, the terrorists, believed to be part of the banned Baloch Liberation Army (BLA), carried out a coordinated assault on the train with rockets and gunfire, causing the train to halt.
The attackers then split into smaller groups, taking passengers hostage while firing on security forces.
"The terrorists are in contact with their facilitators in Afghanistan," the Radio Pakistan reported.
As per the security sources, the terrorists have placed suicide bombers among the hostages, increasing the complexity of the rescue operation.
"Suicide bombers are positioned near women and children, using them as human shields," the security sources stated.
The authorities have confirmed that at least 30 terrorists have been killed so far, but the fight continues as forces aim to neutralize the remaining assailants.
The location, being difficult to access, has hampered the rescue efforts. Many passengers, including 57 who were rescued, have been taken to hospitals, and a relief train has been dispatched to Mach, where security clearance is awaited.
Medical teams are on standby, with some 37 injured passengers receiving treatment.
Efforts to locate the missing passengers are ongoing, and the Balochistan government has declared a state of emergency at Sibi hospital, with ambulances and security personnel on site.
The hijacking is the first of its kind in Pakistan, and authorities are treading carefully to avoid further casualties.
"We are working with extreme caution, especially with the presence of women and children among the hostages," the security forces said.
Pakistan Railways temporarily suspended services from Punjab and Sindh to Balochistan after the attack.
A help desk has been set up in Rawalpindi for families seeking information about loved ones, while an emergency cell has been established in Quetta.
President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif have strongly condemned the cowardly terrorist attack on the Jaffar Express in Dhadar area of Bolan Pass today.
In their separate statements, they lauded the security forces for their bravery and professionalism demonstrated in the operation.
President Zardari said that attacks on unarmed civilians and passengers are inhumane and those involved in this attack are against Balochistan and its traditions.
“The Baloch nation rejects those who attack and hold hostage, the unarmed passengers, elderly and children,”. the president said adding that no religion or society allows such wicked acts.
PM Shehbaz, while highlighting the professionalism of security forces, said despite the difficult routes, the morale of officers and personnel involved in the operation is high.
He said the security forces are taking timely and prompt action and will soon succeed in their operation.
PM Shehbaz said that the beastly terrorists, who carry out such attacks do not deserve any mercy, they are enemies of Balochistan's development.
“Terrorists' targeting of innocent passengers in the Holy month of Ramadan testifies that they have no connection either with the religion Islam or with Pakistan and Balochistan,” PM Shehbaz said.
The premier reaffirmed the unflinching nation's resolve to continue the war against terrorism till complete eradication of this menace.
He vowed that the entire nation stands by its security forces in this war and will thwart every conspiracy to create chaos in the country.
PM Shehbaz expressed resolve that we would never allow enemies of the country to succeed in their nefarious designs.
