Pakistan says Jaffar Express Standoff was completed: 346 issued hostages; 30 Baloch rebels, 28 soldiers killed

Last update:March 12, 2025, 21:52 Ist

Speaking on the condition of anonymity, because they were not allowed to talk to the media, security officials said that over 300 hostages were saved and the operation continued. Did not give details about the hostages killed

The Pakistani Security forces killed all the militants who owned hostages after taking control of a train in Balochizan, the state-led media reported on Wednesday. Security sources said some of the hostages are dead.

A report by the AFP news agency quoting Pakistani officials said that 30 Baloch militants and 28 Pakistani soldiers were killed and said 346 hostages were saved.

Jaffar Express, carrying about 400 passengers in nine coaches, went from Quetta to Peshawar, when the militants derailed it and they diverted it near the mountainous ground in Gudalar and Piru Kunri in a tunnel at 160 km from Quetta.

The Baloch Release Army (BLA) claimed the responsibility for attack on Tuesday (March 11), when they said they killed six soldiers. However, there was no confirmation from the Pakistanic authorities regarding victims of passengers or security personnel.

According to defense sources, the operation of the security forces against terrorists has entered its final stages. A large number of hostage passengers, including women and children, who were used as human shields, were saved.

Security forces previously saved 190 passengers during an operation. Citing security, led state sources Pakistan Radio He confirmed that all the terrorists present on the spot were killed in the military operation.

The number of passengers, who were killed at the beginning of the attack, was determined, he said. During the authorization operation, an extreme caution and ability to save innocent lives were demonstrated, he added.

70-80 militants involved in the train attack, says the minister

The State Minister for Interior Talal Chaudhry said Geo News That 70-80 militants were involved in the train attack. He also warned against false news, saying that no mobile internet network operated in the area and all the video clips that were circulated on the media in Pakistan and in other parts were false.

Chaudhry said passengers included civilians, government employees and security staff. At the beginning of the day, officials said that some of the militants who wear explosives have formed groups of women and children and forced them to stay next to them. Due to the presence of women and children with suicide bombers, the operation was performed with the highest caution, they added.

A security source previously said that about 30 people who suffered injuries were sent to hospitals. Two drivers from the main engine and eight security staff were killed during the operation, the source added.

“We didn’t even breathe …”

There was a massive explosion and firing, a scene that can never be forgotten, said Mushtaq Muhammad while telling the moment when the militants attacked the train. Mushtaq was among the passengers saved from the train, according to BBC Urdu.

Ishaq Noor, who was traveling with his wife and two children, in the number seven trainer on the same train, said the explosion is so intense that they fell the windows and doors of the train and one of my children, who was sitting next to me.

Seeing the shooting and bullets hitting the coaches, Ishaq drew one of his children under him, while his wife pulled the other child under her, so “if a bullet strikes us, the children will be saved.”

Mushtaq said that the dismissal stopped gradually and the armed men entered the coaches. “They started checking the identity cards of some people and separated some of them. Three militants guarded our coach’s doors. They told people that they will not tell anything about civilians, women, elderly and people in Baloch, ”he said.

Ishaq said in the evening, the attackers told passengers that they release Baloch, women, children and old passengers.

The security source said that some of the militants used satellite phones to remain in contact with their manipulators. Pakistan railways have set up an emergency office at Peshawar and Quetta railway stations, while relatives and friends are trying to get information about loved ones on the train.

“We are in solidarity with Pakistan”

Pakistan railways resumed train services to Peshawar from Quetta, after a suspension of over a month and a half. The US Embassy in Islamabad has strongly condemned the attack on the train and taking passenger hostages.

“We expand the deepest sympathies and condolences to the victims, their families and to all those affected by this horrible act. The Pakistani people deserve to live free of violence and fear, ”he said.

He said that the US will remain a firm partner of Pakistan in his efforts to ensure the safety and security of all his citizens. “We are in solidarity with Pakistan during this difficult period. We strongly condemn the terrorist attack in Balochizan on March 11. Our deepest condolences are the people of Pakistan and the families of the victims. As the situation continues to be carried out, we express our profound concern for the hostages and resort to their immediate release, “said EU ambassador to Pakistan Roma Kionka in a post from X.

This is the first time that bla or any insurgent group in the Balochizer province has resorted to divert a passenger train, although starting last year, and intensified attacks on security forces, installations and foreigners from different parts of the province.

Baloidetan has witnessed an ascent in terrorist attacks in the last year. In the past, the railways in this area have been attacked by Baloch militants using remote controlled missiles or bombs, and CA has claimed the responsibility for most attacks.

Last October, Pakistan Railways announced the restoration of train services between Quetta and Peshawar after a suspension of over a month and a half. A month later, at least 26 people were killed and 62 injured after a suicide explosion was thrown through a Quetta train station.

Balochiriser, grilling in Iran and Afghanistan, hosts a long-lasting violent insurgency. Baloch insurgent groups frequently perform attacks targeting security personnel, government projects and $ 60 billion China-Pakistan Corridor (CPEC) in oil and mineral province.

(With PTI inputs)

(This story has not been edited by the News18 staff and is published from a flow of union news agencies – Associated Press)

The news world Pakistan says Jaffar Express Standoff was completed: 346 issued hostages; 30 Baloch rebels, 28 soldiers killed