American-made weapons used in Jaffar Express attack: Washington Post

ISLAMABAD: The Washington Post reported on Monday that American-made weapons were used in the Jaffar Express attack.

The attack took place on March 11, when the Peshawar-bound Jaffar Express — carrying 440 passengers — was ambushed. Several people were taken hostage during the attack, triggering a two-day security operation to neutralize the threat and free the prisoners.

The weapons were left behind after US forces withdrew from Afghanistan in 2021. Among the weapons recovered from the scene was an M4A1 carbine rifle made by US arms manufacturer Colt.

According to the Washington Post, the rifle’s serial number confirmed that it had originally been supplied to US forces in Afghanistan and was later left behind during the chaotic withdrawal.

“Many of the weapons are lying across the border in Pakistan, in arms markets and in the hands of insurgents, illustrating how the consequences of America’s failed war continue to reverberate years after the fall of Kabul to the Taliban,” the Washington Post wrote.

“Pakistani officials provided the serial numbers of three American rifles allegedly used by the attackers after the Jaffar Express attack,” the Washington Post reported.

After a lengthy investigation, the US military and the Pentagon confirmed to The Post that at least 63 of the weapons examined by reporters had been officially provided to Afghan security forces during the US mission in the country.

The Jaffar Express resumed service on March 27 after a 16-day suspension following an attack by the outlawed Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA).

The Jaffar Express departed Quetta for Peshawar. Federal Minister for Kashmir Affairs and Gilgit-Baltistan Engineer Amir Muqam saw off the passengers with a special prayer.

Speaking to the media, the minister said that train services were restored immediately on the instructions of the Prime Minister. He reiterated the resolve of the government and the Pakistan Army to thwart the designs of terrorism, emphasizing that national security is the top priority.