Baloch rebels hijack Pak train, claims 30 security forces killed, 214 hostage

The Baloch Liberation Army (BLA), a militant group, on Tuesday claimed responsibility for hijacking Jaffar Express, a passenger train operated by Pakistan Railways, and holding all 214 passengers hostage in Balochistan. The militant group issued a statement claiming that they had taken control of the train and said 30 military personnel were killed, while over 214 passengers have been taken hostage. However, the Balochistan Police has rejected the claimes made by the BLA.

Meanwhile, the BLA, in its latest statement, claimed that its planned military strategy and aggressive advances forced the Pak forces to retrreat. Moreover, it has given a 48-hour



ultimaturm to Pakistan to release all Baloch political prisoners in exchange of the freeing the hostages. 

The BLA said, "Under the rules of war, these 214 hostages are considered prisoners of war and BLA is prepared for a prisoner exchange. The occupying state of Pakistan is given 48 hours to immediately and unconditionally release Baloch political prisoners, forcibly disappeared persons and national resistance activists. "

The Baloch Liberation Army (BLA) has seized the Jaffar Express and taken all the passengers hostage. BLA spokesperson said that the operation is being carried out by the BLA Majeed Brigade Fateh Squad and STOS.