By The South Asia Times

ISLAMABAD : The Pakistan Army successfully conducted a major counterterrorism operation to rescue over 400 hostages after militants from the Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA) hijacked the Jaffar Express train in the Bolan district of Balochistan. The army confirmed that all 33 terrorists involved in the attack were killed, though 21 passengers and four security personnel lost their lives during the rescue operation.

The attack took place on Tuesday when heavily armed BLA militants intercepted the Jaffar Express, a passenger train traveling from Quetta to Peshawar. The attackers seized control of the train and took over 400 passengers hostage, demanding political concessions and the release of detained separatist fighters. The militants also detonated explosives on the tracks to prevent any immediate response from security forces.

Upon receiving intelligence reports, the Pakistan Army and security agencies launched a full-scale rescue operation. The operation, which lasted for more than 24 hours, was conducted in phases to ensure the safety of the hostages while neutralizing the heavily armed militants. According to official statements, the security forces faced intense resistance as the terrorists had positioned themselves inside the train and were using passengers as human shields.

Despite the army’s careful approach, 21 passengers lost their lives in the crossfire, along with four military personnel who sacrificed themselves to ensure the safe evacuation of the remaining hostages. The army has confirmed that all 33 terrorists involved in the hijacking were killed in the final assault.

Government and Military Statements

Following the successful operation, a statement from the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to eliminating terrorism and ensuring the security of its citizens. "The swift and decisive action of the Pakistan Army has ensured the safety of over 400 hostages. The terrorists who attempted to challenge the state have been eliminated," the statement read.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Chief of Army Staff General Asim Munir have condemned the attack and expressed condolences to the families of the deceased passengers and security personnel. The government has vowed to strengthen counterterrorism measures to prevent future attacks of this nature.

Escalating Terrorist Threat in Balochistan

Balochistan has long been a hotspot for separatist movements, with groups like the BLA frequently targeting infrastructure and security forces. The hijacking of the Jaffar Express marks one of the most audacious attacks by the group in recent years. Security analysts warn that this incident underscores the need for heightened vigilance and intelligence-sharing to combat militancy in the region.

With the successful resolution of the Jaffar Express crisis, authorities have increased security along major transportation routes in Balochistan. Additional military checkpoints and surveillance measures are being implemented to prevent similar attacks in the future.

As Pakistan continues its fight against terrorism, this operation serves as a stark reminder of the persistent threats facing the country. The nation now mourns the loss of innocent lives while commending the bravery of the armed forces in their relentless efforts to protect the people.