The rescue operation to recover the Jaffar Express hostages from terrorists has entered its final stages, as per security sources.
Amid the ongoing security operation in Bolan, Balochistan, the departure of the train has been suspended for three days due to security concerns.
According to security sources, 190 passengers have been safely rescued so far, while 30 terrorists have been killed during the operation. They said that a large number of hostage passengers, including women and children, who were being used as human shields, have been rescued.
Reports indicated earlier that suicide bombers among the terrorists were using women and children as human shields to deter security forces, leading to extreme care and caution in the rescue mission. The forces conducted an operation to eliminate the remaining terrorists, the security sources said.
During the clearance operation, utmost caution and skill were exercised, and innocent lives were saved, the security sources said. However, the number of passengers slain by the terrorists was being determined, they maintained, adding that all the terrorists present at the scene had been eliminated.
Meanwhile, a relief train for the 40 more released hostages at the Panir railway station has been dispatched from Quetta, as an operation remains underway to reclaim custody of the train taken hostage near Mushkaf. It is said that security personnel were also on board the train.
The railway administration has confirmed that the train service was suspended due to security reasons, and the departure of Jaffar Express will remain cancelled for three days.
Also Read: 104 hostages rescued after attack on Jaffar Express in Balochistan
Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi remains in constant contact with Balochistan Chief Minister Sarfraz Bugti. The interior minister has expressed complete solidarity with the Balochistan government, assuring full support in combating terrorism.
Both leaders reaffirmed their commitment to eliminating terrorism by utilizing all necessary resources. Mohsin Naqvi emphasized that the federal government will continue to support Balochistan in restoring peace.
"Chief Minister Sarfraz Bugti is a courageous leader, and together, we will eradicate terrorists and their facilitators," he stated, vowing to go to any extent to eliminate terrorism.
Three children lose lives
A day earlier, terrorists targeted Jaffar Express in the Bolan Pass area of Balochistan, resulting in the killing of three minors and the train driver.
Security sources said the attackers halted the train inside a tunnel in the Bolan Pass area, taking approximately 400 passengers hostage. Despite the challenging terrain and remote location, security forces cordoned off the area and initiated a clearance operation to rescue those held captive.
