QUETTA: Security forces have launched a clearance operation in Balochistan’s Bolan area after an unknown number of terrorists took passengers of the Jaffar Express hostage, successfully eliminating at least 13 attackers and rescuing 80 civilians, said security sources.
The train, with over 400 passengers on board in nine bogies, was on its way from Quetta to Peshawar in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa when it came under attack, according to security sources.
Among those rescued are 53 men, 26 women and 11 children. Security sources added forces are continuing the operation to rescue the other hostages, and the circle around the terrorists is being tightened.
Following the security forces’ operation, the militants split into small groups, security sources said, adding that the injured passengers were shifted to a nearby hospital for immediate medical treatment.
Soon after the attack started, security forces cordoned off and surrounded the train, and a heavy exchange of fire was reported.
Security sources said that the terrorists behind the attack are in contact with their mastermind in Afghanistan and are using women and children as human shields.
The operation is being carried out with extreme caution due to the presence of civilians onboard.
Security sources elaborated that the operation is further complicated by the difficult terrain of the area.
The attackers bombed the railway track before storming aboard the train, said security forces, adding that they also opened fire on the locomotive, injuring the driver.
Security officials present on the train and the terrorists also reportedly exchanged fire.
The locomotive was stopped just before a tunnel, and terrorists took control of the train in a remote, mountainous area of the province which borders Afghanistan and Iran.
