Three days after security forces freed hundreds of hostages from Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA) terrorists, the aftermath of the Jaffar Express attack in Bolan remains evident. On March 11, the train, carrying over 450 passengers, was hijacked in a brazen assault by dozens of terrorists.
The explosion destroyed five carriages and severely damaged the train’s engine, leaving a trail of destruction in the area that was still visible on Saturday.
Reports indicate that the terrorists launched the attack after descending from nearby mountains. Brigadier Omer Altaf from Balochistan FC North told journalists that security forces had recovered at least eight improvised explosive devices (IEDs) that the terrorists had planted near the train, likely intended to cause further destruction.
Brigadier Altaf also stated that the terrorists had occupied the surrounding hills, making it difficult for security forces to approach the train. However, the forces engaged the attackers, resulting in the neutralization of a significant number of them.
Pakistan Railways Deputy Chief Engineer, Rasheed Imtiaz, explained that it would take approximately 12 hours to restore the damaged track. He also noted that the railway track in the Bolan region was an engineering marvel, built during the partition, and passed through 22 tunnels.
The Jaffar Express departed Quetta at 9:30 am on March 11. As it passed through Gudallar and Piro Konari, unidentified gunmen opened fire on the train. The train driver was critically injured and later died from his wounds. Several passengers also lost their lives in the attack.
Eyewitnesses and Levies sources reported that the train was stopped in the mountainous region of Machh, where the terrorists used explosives to destroy the railway track before opening fire. In addition to the driver, several passengers were killed.
In the wake of the attack, train services from Quetta to the rest of the country were suspended. Security measures at Quetta railway station have been heightened, and a relief train carrying medical supplies is en route to Machh to assist the victims.
Source: Aaj news
