TV
The Baloch Liberation Army (BLA), on Saturday, claimed responsibility for executing 214 hostages following a 48-hour ultimatum during a train hijacking in Pakistan’s restive Balochistan province.
The militant group accused Pakistan’s military of ignoring demands to exchange prisoners, leading to the killings, markings one of the deadliest attacks in the region’s escalating insurgency.
The Hijacking and Conflicting Claims
On Tuesday, BLA militants bombed a railway track and ambushed the Jaffar Express, a passenger train, in the Darra-e-Bolan area. The group later dubbed the attack ‘Operation Darra-e-Bolan,’ stating it targeted security personnel.
According to the BLA, its fighters took 214 hostages, allegedly all security forces members, and issued a 48-hour deadline for a prisoner swap. When negotiations failed, the hostages were executed.
Pakistan’s military rejected the claim, stating only 31 people died, including 23 soldiers, three railway staff, and five passengers.
BLA’s Version of Events
The BLA alleged that Pakistani Special Services Group (SSG) commandos botched a rescue operation, triggering a prolonged gunfight. During the clash, the militants reportedly executed the hostages.
The group acknowledged losing 12 fighters, including five suicide squad members but accused Pakistan’s military of downplaying casualties to hide losses.
Notably, neither side provided evidence for their claims. The BLA’s hostage figure remains unverified, while Pakistan’s military faces scrutiny over discrepancies in its casualty report.
