Train hijacking in Pakistan: 190 hostages freed as operation intensifies updated

In a dramatic turn of events, security forces in Pakistan have successfully freed at least 190 hostages from the clutches of terrorists who hijacked the Jaffar Express in Balochistan's Bolan district.

The high-stakes operation, still ongoing, saw the release of the captives after a full day of intense efforts, Caliber.Az reports referencing Pakistani media.

According to security sources, the hijackers, including suicide bombers, were holding women and children at three different locations, using them as human shields. This grim tactic forced security forces to move with extreme caution to avoid further harm to the innocent hostages.

Amidst the operation, 37 individuals with injuries were safely evacuated and are now receiving medical treatment. The ongoing security operation has already led to the elimination of 30 terrorists, with forces vowing to continue until every last militant is neutralized.

09:29

Security forces have launched a large-scale clearance operation in Pakistan's Balochistan after a group of unidentified militants hijacked the Jaffar Express, successfully neutralising at least 16 attackers and rescuing 104 passengers.

The Jaffar Express, carrying over 400 passengers in nine bogies, was en route from Quetta to Peshawar in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa when it was ambushed, Caliber.Az reports, citing Pakistani media.

According to security officials, the attackers detonated explosives on the railway track, forcing the train to stop just before entering a tunnel in a remote, mountainous region bordering Afghanistan and Iran. The militants then stormed the train, took hostages, and opened fire on the locomotive, injuring the driver.

Following the attack, security forces faced significant challenges in reaching the area due to its rugged terrain. However, they managed to cordon off the vicinity and initiate a counter-operation. Sources confirmed that 57 rescued passengers had been transported to Quetta early Wednesday morning, while 23 others remained in Machh. Among those freed were 58 men, 31 women, and 15 children.

Security forces reported that the militants splintered into smaller groups following the initial operation, making further engagement complex. Seventeen injured passengers were evacuated to a nearby hospital for urgent medical care. Intelligence sources disclosed that the attackers were using satellite phones to communicate with international handlers, with reports suggesting direct contact with their masterminds in Afghanistan.

The ongoing operation is being carried out with extreme caution due to the presence of civilians. Security officials emphasized that militants were using women and children as human shields, further complicating rescue efforts.

Balochistan government spokesperson Shahid Rind stated that emergency measures had been imposed, and all relevant institutions had been mobilized to handle the crisis. Security forces remain committed to rescuing the remaining hostages and eliminating the threat posed by the militants.

Senior railway official Muhammad Kashif confirmed that more than 450 passengers were initially onboard the train when it was attacked, including a significant number of women and children.

The attack comes amid a surge in militant activity in Pakistan. Data from the Pakistan Institute for Conflict and Security Studies (PICSS) revealed that January 2025 saw a 42% increase in terror incidents compared to the previous month. At least 74 militant attacks were recorded nationwide, resulting in 91 fatalities, including 35 security personnel, 20 civilians, and 36 militants. Another 117 people sustained injuries, comprising 53 security personnel, 54 civilians, and 10 militants.

Balochistan has been a particular hotspot for militant violence, with 24 attacks reported in January alone, leading to 26 deaths, including 11 security personnel, six civilians, and nine militants.

By Tamilla Hasanova