Baluch insurgents claim to have killed 214 Pakistani military hostages after hijacking a train. The Pakistani army claims to have killed 33 insurgents, a claim denied by the BLA.
Pakistan Train Hijack: The Baloch Liberation Army (BLA) claims to have killed 214 Pakistani military hostages. The insurgents stated that their 48-hour deadline for the release of Baluch political prisoners had expired, and the Pakistani government had ignored their demands.
Pakistani Army's Claims Rejected
The BLA rejected the Pakistani army's claim that the hostages were rescued safely. The organization stated that the Pakistani government's "stubbornness" and military response forced them to take this action.
How did the Train Hijacking Occur?
The Baloch Liberation Army, which seeks to separate Balochistan from Pakistan, hijacked the Jaffar Express bound for Peshawar on Tuesday. The insurgents first blew up a section of the railway track before seizing the train. Over 400 passengers were onboard, mostly security personnel. Excluding elderly people, women, and children, the BLA took all soldiers hostage.
BLA Statement: Pakistani 'Stubbornness' Cost Soldiers' Lives
The BLA stated in its statement, "The Pakistani government refused negotiations and ignored reality. Their stubbornness forced us to kill 214 military hostages."
Pakistani Army's Counter-Operation
The Pakistani army claims to have killed 33 insurgents in the 30-hour operation. According to the army, 23 soldiers, 3 railway employees, and 5 passengers were also killed. However, the BLA denied this claim, stating that fighting was ongoing and the Pakistani army suffered heavy losses.
BLA's 'Darra-e-Bolon Operation'
The BLA named this operation "Darra-e-Bolon" and stated that 12 of their fighters were killed in the operation. The organization claims they confined some military hostages in specific carriages and ambushed them upon the arrival of Pakistani commandos.
