Security forces have rescued 80 hostages, including 43 men, 26 women, and 11 children, from the Jaffar Express after an armed attack by terrorists, according to media reports.
Authorities confirmed that militants took more than 400 passengers hostage after attacking the train in Kachhi (Bolan) district of Balochistan.
The terrorists detonated an explosive on the railway track and opened fire on the train, injuring the train driver, as reported earlier.
Railway Controller Muhammad Kashif told Urdu News that the attackers released 60 to 70 passengers, who were safely rescued by security forces at Panir railway station, about five kilometers from the attack site.
Read: Gunmen attack Jaffar Express in Balochistan, driver injured
He added that the released hostages, mostly local residents of Balochistan, described being held at gunpoint by the terrorists.
On the other hand, the reports highlighted that the security forces have surrounded the terrorists and are continuing efforts to rescue the remaining hostages. Heavy gunfire is underway between security personnel and the attackers.
Meanwhile, Quetta’s airspace is active, with military helicopters deployed toward Bolan to support the rescue operation.
Officials have reiterated that the operation will continue until every terrorist is eliminated.
