Baloch Rebels Claim 214 Army Hostages Killed, Cite Pakistan’s ‘Stubbornness’
The Baloch Liberation Army (BLA) claimed it executed 214 military hostages from the hijacked Jaffar Express, blaming Pakistan’s refusal to negotiate after a 48-hour ultimatum expired on Friday. The separatist group rejected the Pakistani Army’s assertion that the siege ended, alleging ongoing clashes in Balochistan.
The BLA stated that all 214 hostages, mostly security personnel, were killed after Pakistan ignored demands for a prisoner swap. The group had sought the release of Baloch political prisoners and activists it claims were abducted by the military. “Pakistan’s stubbornness and military arrogance forced us to execute the hostages,” the BLA said in a statement.
The incident began Tuesday when BLA militants bombed railway tracks and seized the Peshawar-bound Jaffar Express, carrying over 400 passengers. The rebels took hostages, triggering a 30-hour military operation in the Bolan region. The Pakistani Army reported neutralizing all 33 attackers, with 23 soldiers, three railway staff, and five passengers killed.
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Contradicting the Army, the BLA insisted fighting continues under its “Darra-e-Bolan” operation. It claimed 12 of its fighters died while inflicting “heavy casualties” on Pakistani commandos attempting a rescue. “The commandos surrounded the hostages, who were then executed,” the BLA statement added.
The Pakistani Army declared the operation concluded on Wednesday, asserting all hostages were freed or accounted for. However, the BLA alleged the military suffered significant losses and failed to secure the captives. The group said some hostages were moved to safe locations during the clash.
The conflicting accounts have deepened tensions in Balochistan, with the BLA vowing to persist in its secessionist campaign. Pakistani authorities are expected to respond to the latest claims as investigations into the hijacking continue. Further updates on casualties and the situation on the ground are awaited.
