Lt Gen Sharif Chaudhry, Pakistan’s military spokesperson, confirmed the completion of the operation, stating that all 33 militants involved had been killed
The United States has strongly condemned the terrorist attack on the Jaffar Express in Balochistan and the hostage-taking of passengers by the Baloch Liberation Army (BLA), which is designated as a global terrorist group by the US.
In a statement posted on X, the US Embassy in Islamabad expressed solidarity with Pakistan, extending condolences to the victims and their families. “The Pakistani people deserve to live free from violence and fear. The United States will remain a steadfast partner of Pakistan in its efforts to ensure the safety and security of all its citizens,” the embassy stated.
Pakistan’s security forces have been carrying out an extensive clearance operation, successfully rescuing over 150 hostages, including women and children. The attack began when terrorists detonated explosives on a railway track near Bolan, forcing the Jaffar Express to stop before opening fire and taking hostages.
The train, which was travelling from Quetta to Peshawar with around 400 passengers on board, became the centre of a tense standoff as the attackers used hostages as human shields. Security forces exercised extreme caution to minimise civilian casualties.
Lt Gen Sharif Chaudhry, Pakistan’s military spokesperson, confirmed the completion of the operation, stating that all 33 militants involved had been killed. He revealed that the attack began on March 11 at around 1 p.m. when the track was blown up. “No passenger was hurt in the final clearance operation,” he said, though he acknowledged that 21 people had fallen victim to the terrorists’ brutality.
Security officials disclosed that the militants remained in contact with their handlers in Afghanistan via satellite phone throughout the siege. Reports indicated that suicide bombers had taken women and children hostage at multiple locations, further complicating rescue efforts.
While the full casualty count remains uncertain, Dawn News reported that at least 30 people, including the train’s driver and eight security personnel, were killed in the gun battle. At least 37 injured individuals have been evacuated for medical treatment.
The hostage situation unfolded near the Mashkaf Tunnel, about 157 kilometres from Quetta, where BLA militants initially took over 400 passengers captive. Pakistani security forces have since secured the area, with authorities confirming that at least 190 passengers have been rescued.
