Pakistani security forces have killed 13 terrorists and rescued 80 hostages in an ongoing operation following a brazen attack on the Jaffar Express, a passenger train traveling through the Bolan Pass. The terrorists stormed the train inside Tunnel No. 8, taking several passengers hostage and triggering a swift response from security forces.
According to security sources, the operation began after the attackers stopped the train and seized control, holding a significant number of women and children among the captives. The rescued hostages include 43 men, 26 women, and 11 children. Efforts to free the remaining passengers continue as security forces engage in intense firefights with the terrorists, who have split into smaller groups and are using hostages as human shields.
“The noose has been tightened around the terrorists,” a security source stated, vowing that the operation will persist “until the last terrorist is eliminated.” Additional forces have been deployed to the remote and rugged terrain to support the clearance efforts, while injured passengers have been transported to nearby hospitals for treatment.
Sources confirmed that the terrorists are in contact with their mastermind in Afghanistan, complicating the operation further due to the use of human shields and the challenging location. Despite these obstacles, security forces remain determined to neutralize the threat and ensure the safety of all hostages.
Condemnation and Misinformation Campaigns
The attack has drawn sharp condemnation from officials. Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi called the perpetrators “beasts” unfit for concessions and wished for the speedy recovery of the injured. Security sources emphasized that the targeting of innocent civilians has no connection to Islam, Pakistan, or Balochistan, denouncing the terrorists’ actions as cowardly.
Meanwhile, the incident has sparked a wave of misinformation online. Security sources and the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) reported a surge in activity from Indian and anti-state social media accounts spreading fake news, including old videos, AI-generated content, and fabricated messages. These efforts, allegedly supported by terrorist-linked accounts, aim to incite panic and push anti-Pakistan narratives. The public has been urged to rely on verified sources for updates.
Balochistan Government Response
The Balochistan government has declared an emergency at Sibi hospital and dispatched rescue teams to the site, though spokesperson Shahid Rind noted difficulties in reaching the location due to the terrain. “The railway department has sent additional trains to assist with rescue operations,” Rind said, adding that the scale of the incident and the involvement of terrorist elements are still under assessment. Emergency measures have been ordered to keep all institutions on high alert.
As the operation unfolds, security forces and government officials remain resolute in their mission to bring the situation under control and deliver justice to those responsible for the attack.
Further updates will be provided as the situation develops.
