Jaffar Express siege ends: 33 terrorists killed, four FC personnel, 27 hostages martyred: ISPR

RAWALPINDI: Inter-Services Public Relations Director General (DG ISPR) Lt-Gen Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry has said that the operation against the terrorists who attacked the Jaffer Express has been successfully completed.

Talking to Dunya News, he said that a total of 33 terrorists were killed, while 21 passengers were martyred before the operation began.

According to the DG ISPR, four Frontier Corps (FC) soldiers also embraced martyrdom during the operation.

“All hostages, including women and children, were safely rescued,” he said, adding that no innocent passengers were harmed during the clearance operation.

He said that the terrorists were in contact with their handlers in Afghanistan throughout the operation.

“We will not allow anyone to target innocent civilians with brutality,” he added.

Detailing the siege and consequent operation, General Chaudhry said that on March 11, at around 1 PM, the railway track near Bolan was first blown up with an explosion, after which terrorists stopped Jaffar Express and took passengers hostage. 

He said Jaffar Express had 440 passengers on board, who were divided into three separate groups by the attackers. Suicide bombers were positioned alongside these groups, making the operation highly delicate, he added.

The DG ISPR said that security forces launched a swift and decisive operation, adding that the area was rugged and remote, making the mission even more challenging.

“Despite the complexity of the situation, security forces conducted the operation with extreme caution and skill, ensuring that no passengers were harmed…The forces successfully rescued the hostages and eliminated all terrorists present at the scene.”

He confirmed that 33 terrorists were killed during the operation, including suicide bombers who were neutralised by snipers. 

The military spokesperson added that among the four martyred FC personnel, three embraced martyrdom during the hijack while one was martyred during the operation.  

General Chaudhry noted that before the operation began, the terrorists had already killed 21 innocent civilians.

He reiterated that the attack has exposed the nexus between terrorists and their foreign backers. “These terrorists have no link with Islam or Balochistan.”

The ISPR chief further stated that the bomb disposal squad is thoroughly inspecting the train, while security forces continue to conduct daily operations against terrorists. 

He stressed that innocent civilians were targeted on the orders of foreign elements but reaffirmed the army’s commitment to eradicating terrorism.

Terrorists attacked the Jaffar Express, on route to Peshawar from Quetta, in a rugged part of Balochistan.

The banned BLA claimed responsibility for the attack.

The group also claimed to have killed 50 hostages while freeing a number of people, including women and children.

This marks the second attack on Jaffar Express by Baloch insurgents in recent months.

In November 2024, a blast at Quetta Railway Station killed 26 people and injured 62, including 12 personnel from Levies, FC, and the Army.

According to military officials, the area of the latest attack is remote and difficult to access. However, security forces have cordoned off the area and launched a clearance operation, which will continue until all militants are eliminated.

Forces lauded for successful operation

President Asif Ali Zardari has praised security forces for successfully completing the Jaffar Express operation, paying tribute to their bravery and professionalism. 

Expressing deep sorrow over the martyrdom of 21 civilians and four Frontier Corps (FC) personnel, the president lauded the forces for eliminating 33 terrorists during the operation. He also appreciated their expertise in safely rescuing the hostages. 

President Zardari paid homage to the martyred FC personnel and prayed for the elevation of the martyrs’ ranks, as well as patience for their grieving families.

He reiterated his commitment to ensuring peace in Balochistan and eradicating terrorism completely. 

Meanwhile, Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi also commended security forces for their successful operation, highlighting their careful approach to saving women and children held hostage by the attackers. 

PM Shehbaz contacts CM Bugti; likely to visit Quetta

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif telephoned Balochistan CM Sarfraz Bugti and expressed grief over the incident. “The entire nation is in shock over this heinous act. We mourn the loss of innocent lives.”

He reaffirmed that such cowardly attacks cannot shake Pakistan’s resolve for peace.

Moreover, sources suggested that PM Shehbaz is likely to embark on a one-day visit to Quetta tomorrow to assess the security situation in the wake of the Jaffar Express attack.

Sources indicated that he will chair a high-level meeting on law and order during which key decisions regarding counterterrorism measures would be taken.

Global powers condemn Jaffar Express attack

China, Russia, and the United States have strongly condemned the Jaffar Express attack in Balochistan.

China’s Foreign Ministry expressed deep concern over the incident and extended condolences over the loss of lives. The ministry reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening security cooperation with Pakistan and pledged further support in the joint fight against terrorism. 

Likewise, the Russian Embassy in Pakistan also condemned the attack, calling it an act of cowardice. “We completely reject the terrorists’ strategy of using civilians as human shields,” the embassy stated.

It further expressed hope for the safe and immediate release of all hostages. 

Moreover, the US Embassy in Pakistan denounced the attack and reiterated that the BLA has been designated as a global terrorist organisation by the United States.

The embassy extended condolences to the victims and their families, stating that the people of Pakistan have the right to live free from violence and fear.

The US also reaffirmed its strong partnership with Pakistan and pledged continued support during this difficult time. “We stand with Pakistan in this moment of crisis,” the statement read.

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