ISPR Confirms 33 Terrorists Killed in Jaffar Express Attack

Pakistan’s military has successfully completed a complex rescue operation following the terrorist attack on the Jaffar Express, with all 33 terrorists eliminated, according to Director General of Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) Lt Gen Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry. The operation, which unfolded in phases across difficult terrain in Balochistan’s Bolan Pass area, resulted in the rescue of hundreds of passengers while confirming 21 passenger fatalities and 4 security personnel martyred in the line of duty.

The terrorists executed a coordinated attack on March 11, first detonating explosives on the railway track to halt the Peshawar-Quetta Jaffar Express before taking approximately 440 passengers hostage, including women and children. Speaking to media, Lt Gen Ahmed Sharif revealed that the terrorists used passengers as human shields and maintained contact with handlers in Afghanistan via satellite communications throughout the siege, highlighting the sophisticated nature of the attack.

The rescue operation involved a coordinated response from Pakistan’s army, air force, Frontier Corps, and elite SSG commandos, demonstrating the military’s joint operational capabilities. Security forces approached the situation with extreme precision, with snipers strategically targeting suicide bombers first to minimize civilian casualties. The DG ISPR emphasized that the operation was particularly challenging due to the remote location far from populated areas and roads, requiring careful planning and execution.

Lt Gen Ahmed Sharif confirmed that 21 train passengers were killed by terrorists before security forces could intervene. Additionally, three FC personnel stationed at a railway picket were martyred, with one more FC soldier losing his life during the operation itself. Despite these losses, the security forces successfully rescued 190 hostages in phases, with the military spokesperson confirming that no hostages were harmed during the actual rescue operation.

Following the attack, the DG ISPR announced that rules of engagement have been changed, emphasizing that terrorists “will not be spared under any circumstances.” He stated firmly that such militants have “no connection to Islam, Pakistan, or Balochistan.” The military continues to conduct area checks with Bomb Disposal Squad personnel inspecting the train thoroughly to ensure safety before operations can resume on the critical railway line.

This attack on the Jaffar Express represents one of the most significant terrorist incidents in Balochistan in recent years, targeting critical transportation infrastructure connecting major cities. The successful rescue operation demonstrates Pakistan’s counterterrorism capabilities while also highlighting ongoing security challenges in the region, particularly those with alleged cross-border connections that Pakistani officials have repeatedly raised concerns about.

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