WORLD
Passenger train rescue operation complete; 33 terrorists killed in Pakistan
Islamabad, Hilal Ahmad, March 13, AZERTAC
Pakistani security forces successfully completed an operation on Wednesday against terrorists, rescuing all passengers of a train seized by militants. Over 300 hostages were freed in Balochistan province. During the operation, which began on Tuesday, 33 terrorists were killed.
The Director General of Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), Lieutenant General Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry, announced that the clearance operation, launched after a passenger train was attacked and hijacked, has been completed. He stated that all terrorists involved were killed, while 21 passengers were killed by terrorists prior to the operation.
The DG ISPR added that three security personnel stationed at a railway picket were martyred, and one soldier lost his life during the operation. According to Pakistan Railway officials, the train had approximately 440 passengers onboard when it was attacked. During the clearance operation, security forces demonstrated exceptional skill and care to save innocent lives.
In a statement, Pakistan’s President Asif Ali Zardari paid tribute to the security forces for completing the operation on the Jaffar Express and expressed deep sorrow over the martyrdom of 21 civilians and four security personnel.
The President praised the bravery of the security forces for eliminating 33 terrorists in an effective operation and commended their professionalism in rescuing civilians and passengers.
Pakistani Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif stated that cowardly acts like the heinous terrorist attack on the train will not shake Pakistan’s resolve for peace. He expressed the nation’s deep shock and sadness over the loss of innocent lives.
Pakistan’s Federal Minister for Information and Broadcasting, Attaullah Tarar, said that terrorists attempted to use passengers as human shields through suicide bombers. Despite 440 people being onboard, security forces bravely completed the operation without allowing any passengers to be harmed.
