US-made weapons found in Jaffar Express hijack site, Washington Post claims

ANI April 15, 2025 197 views

The Jaffar Express hijacking revealed a complex security challenge involving US-manufactured weapons potentially misused by terrorists. A military operation successfully neutralized the threat after a two-day rescue mission. Investigations by The Washington Post confirmed at least 63 US-supplied weapons were linked to the incident. The attack highlighted ongoing security risks in the region following the US withdrawal from Afghanistan.

"These terrorists were in contact with their supporters and masterminds in Afghanistan" - Lt Gen Sharif Chaudhry, ISPR DG
Quetta, April 15: The US-made weapons were used in Jaffar Express attack, ARY News cited The Washington Post report on Monday.

Key Points

1

US weapons left behind in Afghanistan found at terrorist attack site

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440 passengers targeted in Jaffar Express hijacking

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33 rebels killed during military clearance operation

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Weapons originally supplied to Afghan security forces

The attack took place on March 11, when the Peshawar-bound Jaffar Express -- carrying 440 passengers -- was ambushed. Several hostages were taken during the assault, prompting a two-day security operation to neutralize the threat and rescue the captives.

Weapons were left behind by United States forces following their 2021 withdrawal from Afghanistan. Among the weapons recovered from the scene was an M4A1 carbine rifle manufactured by Colt, an American arms maker, ARY News reported.

The rifle's serial number confirmed that it was originally supplied to US forces in Afghanistan and later left behind during the chaotic withdrawal, The Washington Post reported stated, as quoted by ARY News.

After an extended investigation, the US Army and the Pentagon confirmed to The Post that at least 63 of the weapons examined by reporters had been officially supplied to Afghan security forces during the US mission in the country.

ISPR Pakistan DG Lt Gen Sharif Chaudhry said on March 13 that the Jaffar Express clearance operation, launched after the train's hijacking in Balochistan, was complete. He added that all rebels, 33 in total, at the site of the attack had been killed.

"On March 11 in Bolan, terrorists targeted a railroad track around 1pm and blew it up and stopped the Jaffar Express. According to railway officials, the train had 440 passengers," he said while speaking in an interview on Dunya News.

Chaudhry said the army, air force, Frontier Corps (FC) and the Special Services Group had taken part and recovered the hostages. He added that no passenger was hurt in the final clearance operation, but before that, "the number of passengers who fell victim to the barbarism of the terrorists is 21."

"These terrorists were in contact with their supporters and masterminds in Afghanistan during the operation via satellite phone. You saw that around 100 passengers were safely rescued yesterday evening from the terrorists, and today as well, a large number of passengers have been recovered," he said, adding that the process continued intermittently.

Reader Comments

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Sarah K.
This is so concerning 😔 The weapons we left behind are now being used against innocent people. The withdrawal could have been handled much better to prevent this.
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Mike T.
While the article makes valid points about weapon origins, I think it's important to recognize the bravery of the Pakistani forces who rescued all those hostages. That operation deserves more attention.
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Aisha R.
Heartbreaking to hear about the 21 passengers who lost their lives. My thoughts are with their families. When will this cycle of violence end?
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James L.
The weapons tracking system clearly failed here. If we can trace these guns back to their origins, why weren't they properly secured or destroyed during withdrawal? Serious accountability needed.
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Fatima B.
The coordination between army, air force and special forces to rescue all those people is impressive! 👏 But so tragic that it had to happen in the first place.
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David P.
Respectful criticism: The article focuses heavily on the US angle but doesn't explore enough about who these attackers were and their motives. That context is equally important.

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

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Tags:
Jaffar Express Hijack US Weapons Balochistan Terror Attack Pakistan Military Afghanistan Withdrawal
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