RAWALPINDI: Director General of Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) Lt Gen Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry said that all 33 terrorists were eliminated during the Jaffar Express rescue operation in Balochistan’s Bolan district, while 25 people including 4 services men were martyred.
In his media talk the chief of military mouth peice has revealed that 21 civilians had already been martyred before the operation began. The rescue mission concluded with the safe recovery of all passengers, though four FC personnel also embraced martyrdom.
Lt Gen Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry stated that the final clearance operation was carried out with extreme caution and professionalism, ensuring no harm came to the hostages. The terrorists had divided the passengers into three groups, and the rescue was executed step by step.
The operation involved personnel from the Pakistan Army, Air Force, FC, and SSG.
The ISPR DG clarified that the terrorists responsible for the Jaffar Express attack had no connection to Islam or Balochistan.
He disclosed that the terrorists used passengers as human shields and targeted innocent people with the support and facilitation of foreign handlers.
He described the attack site as remote and difficult to access. Despite these challenges, security forces successfully rescued women and children. The attack commenced on March 11 at 1pm when terrorists targeted the railway track and took passengers hostage.
The ISPR DG also pointed out that as soon as the incident occurred, Indian media broadcasted old videos, exposing the link between terrorists and their supporters.
He criticised certain political elements in Pakistan for spreading baseless propaganda, accusing some individuals of sacrificing national interests in their pursuit of power. However, he stressed that the people of Pakistan are aware of these tactics and are closely observing the situation.
He concluded by acknowledging the ongoing sacrifices of security personnel, emphasizing that soldiers continue to embrace martyrdom daily in the line of duty.
Terrorists blew up railway track and stopped the passenger train en route to Peshawar from Balochistan capital Quetta on Tuesday. They took more than 440 passengers hostage.
They have been battling security forces, who conducted a rescue operation after the attack.
According to security sources, heavy firing has been continuing between forces and terrorists. The terrorists have been surrounded and the operation will continue until the last terrorist is eliminated, they quoted security officers as having said.
Meanwhile a Senior Police Official told media person that the terrorists have claimed they are holding 214 people. “The affected train is still on the spot and the armed men are holding up passengers,” he added.
“Security forces launched a massive operation,” he said, adding that helicopters and special forces had been deployed.
The train was trapped in a tunnel and the driver was killed after suffering serious injuries, local authorities, police and railway officials said.
The Baloch Liberation Army, a separatist militant group, said it blew up the track and “swiftly took control of the train”.
The BLA has demanded the release within 48 hours of Baloch political prisoners, activists and missing persons it said had been abducted by the military.
“BLA is prepared for a prisoner exchange,” the group said.
Due to the presence of civilians, security forces are proceeding with extreme caution. Additionally, the rugged terrain of the area has further complicated the operation.
Read more: Two CTD Cops Martyred In Kohat Target Killing
