Islamabad (Web Desk): Director General (DG) Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) Lieutenant General Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry, along with Balochistan Chief Minister Sarfaraz Bugti, is holding a press conference in Islamabad to brief the media on the hijacking of Jaffar Express hijacking and the subsequent clearance operation by the security forces.
On Tuesday, banned outfit Baloch Liberation Army (BLA) launched a violent attack on the Jaffar Express, disrupting the train service by detonating explosives on the tracks. The attackers managed to seize control of the train, taking around 440 passengers hostage in a remote mountainous area of Bolan district.
The security forces intervened, carrying out a rescue operation to free the passengers and regain control of the situation.
By the time the operation concluded, the security forces had neutralized 33 militants. Tragically, before the military action, the attackers had killed 21 passengers. Additionally, four security personnel lost their lives in the course of the operation.
During a media briefing, flanked by Balochistan Chief Minister Sarfraz Bugti, the DG ISPR shared critical details about the deadly hijacking incident and the response from Pakistan's security forces.
"The terrorists stopped the Jaffar Express via an IED blast in a hilly terrain area where accessibility is difficult," the military spokesperson explained.
Using maps to illustrate the situation, Lt Gen Chaudhry elaborated on the events that unfolded, explaining that the terrorists were divided into different groups.
"One of the militant groups kept the women and children inside the train," he said, adding that the remaining passengers were taken out of the train and divided into separate groups.
"As the incident unfolded, a media campaign led by Indian outlets began to emerge, "in support of the terrorists," according to the DG ISPR.
More to follow....