Pakistan Army's Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) department has Wednesday announced that the operation in Bolan has been concluded.
Army spokesperson Ahmad Sharif Chaudhry has said that 33 terrorists were killed in the operation and hundreds of hostages were rescued by Pakistan army.
Talking to Pakistani news channel Dunya News, ISPR DG told that the hostages were being used as human shields by the terrorists and there were suicide bombers sitting among them too. "These suicide bombers were taken out by snipers otherwise the casualties could have been much higher", the spokesperson said.
On Tuesday, a train carrying 450 passengers from Quetta, the provincial capital of Pakistan's restive Balochistan province, was ambushed and hundreds of passengers, including women and children, were taken hostage by rebel group Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA).
The Peshawar-bound Jaffar Express had left Quetta station at 9 in the morning but was fired at and stopped near Sibi city between Gadalar and Peeru Kanri areas.
What we know so far:
- Operation concluded, says ISPR. Spokesperson says 33 terrorists were killed, no passengers were killed during the operation but 33 terrorists were taken out.
- Train carrying 450 passengers from Quetta was attacked near Bolan and taken hostage by terrorists. BLA claimed the attack.
- Government claims all the passengers taken hostage by BLA were rescued.
200 empty coffins brought to Quetta railway station
While no deaths have been confirmed officially, railway officials have told a BBC reporter on Wednesday that over 200 coffins are being sent to Bolan today.
One railways official told that a relief train is being sent from Quetta that is carrying different kinds of goods.
Another official said that 90 empty coffins have been brought to Quetta railway station and they will be sent via train to Bolan while another 130 are also expected to be sent on the same train.
Railways officials said that these coffins have been provided by Quetta's city administration.
190 hostages rescued, 30 terrorists killed, claims govt
According to Radio Pakistan, security forces have rescued one hundred and ninety passengers from the terrorists so far.
Security sources claim thirty terrorists have been killed by security forces during an ongoing operation after attack on Jaffar Express in Balochistan.
Due to the presence of women and children with the suicide bombers, the operation is being conducted with utmost caution.
The security sources said the operation by security forces to eliminate the remaining terrorists is continuing.
Condemnations from Iran, Germany, United Nations
German ambassador to Pakistan Alfred Grannas has strongly condemned the 'terrorist attack' on the train.
We strongly condemn the terrorist attack on a passenger train in Balochistan. The use of violence for political purposes by anyone is unacceptable, even more so when innocent civilians are targeted.
— Alfred Grannas (@GermanyinPAK) March 12, 2025
At this difficult hour, we stand in solidarity with the people of Pakistan.
Iranian Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Ismail Baghaei also condemned the “terrorist act” and expressed deep concern over the endangerment of innocent civilians.
Iran condemns hostage-taking incident in #Pakistan
— Foreign Ministry, Islamic Republic of Iran ???????? (@IRIMFA_EN) March 11, 2025
Iran’s spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs expressed deep concern over the hostage-taking of a passenger train in Pakistan and the endangerment of the security and lives of innocent civilians. Esmail Baqaei… pic.twitter.com/eqr8mEU9YD
“We’ve just seen the reports. We of course condemn any hostage taking, and we call on those who’ve taken people hostage to release them at once,” Stéphane Dujarric, spokesperson for UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, told a press briefing yesterday
60-70 passengers reach Kachhi railway station safe and sound
According to Controller Quetta Railways Muhammad Kashif, around 60-70 passengers have reached Panir Railway Station, Kachhi.
Reports are in now that around the same number of women and children were released by the terrorists. The passengers who've just arrived in Kachhi might have been the same women and children.
All these passengers who have reached the station are locals of Balochistan.
Muhammad Kashif had earlier said the train consists of 9 coaches and was carrying 450 passengers.
"Armed individuals stopped Jaffer Express inside Tunnel No. 8 (in Bolan)", he said.
"We are unable to make any contact with passengers and crew, and the situation remains unclear”, Kashif added.
Pakistan security sources claim 4 BLA terrorists killed
Pakistan security sources have claimed that BLA terrorists' firing killed three minors during the attack. In retaliatory operation, 4 BLA terrorists were killed according to sources while many children and women are still under hostage.
Jaffar Express and 182 Hostages Held for Six Hours, 20 Military Personnel Eliminated – BLA
BLA spokesperson Jeeyand Baloch has claimed that 'after capturing the Jaffar Express, the fighters of the Baloch Liberation Army have taken 182 hostages who have been in our custody for the past six hours. During this operation, an additional eight Pakistani military personnel were eliminated, bringing the total number of enemy casualties to over 20'.
The press release issued by BLA spokesperson claims:
"Throughout the ongoing operation, intense confrontations have taken place with the Pakistani Air Force, with our fighters using anti-aircraft artillery and inflicting severe losses on the enemy. BLA fighters are continuously strengthening their positions, leading the operation and challenging the might of the Pakistani military.
In this successful operation not a single BLA fighter has been injured or martyred so far. Currently, all hostages are in the custody of the BLA’s Fidayeen unit, Majeed Brigade. Clear instructions have been issued to the Majeed Brigade: if the Pakistani military attempts to approach all hostages will be executed and the Fidayeen will continue their resistance until martyrdom without retreating."
Security sources confirm hostages taken
Security sources have confirmed that the train was attacked by terrorists that targeted innocent civilians and the security forces have started an operation after cordoning off the area.
"The terrorists have taken innocent people, including women and children, hostage. They are also in contact with their foreign facilitators", the sources said.
BLA claims Pakistan forces retreated
Meanwhile, BLA spokesperson Junaid Baloch has claimed in a press release that after taking the train hostage, their men have forced the armed forces into retreat.
"After fierce fighting, Pakistani ground forces have been forced to retreat and now they are using drones and helicopters for bombing".
The press release warned that all the hostages will be put to death within an hour if these airstrikes don't stop.
BLA's Majeed Brigade, STOS, Fatah Squad and Zarab Unit fighters are engaged in this 'retaliatory action' and any army operation will have grave consequences, the PR reads.
BLA has claimed that it has over a hundred army personnel as hostages and they will all be killed if strikes do not stop.