Baloch Liberation Army Claims Killing of 100 Pakistani Security Personnel in Train Hijacking

The Baloch Liberation Army (BLA), an insurgent group active in Pakistan’s Balochistan province, has claimed responsibility for the hijacking of the Jaffar Express train, escalating tensions in the region. The train, en route from Quetta to Peshawar, was targeted when militants blew up railway tracks, forcing it to halt. Carrying approximately 450 passengers, the train became the center of a high-stakes hostage situation.

According to reports, the BLA took a large number of hostages, with conflicting figures emerging. The group claimed to have detained over 200 individuals, while Pakistani authorities later confirmed that around 250 people were still in captivity at one stage of the crisis. In response, Pakistani security forces launched a rescue operation, successfully freeing more than 190 hostages so far, though efforts continue to secure the remaining captives.

The BLA also declared that it had executed a significant number of Pakistan’s security personnel during the standoff, with some reports suggesting the number could be as high as 100. However, these claims have not been independently verified by authorities or other news agencies. Meanwhile, counter-operations by security forces led to the elimination of at least 30 militants, further intensifying the conflict.

The hijacking of the Jaffar Express is part of the BLA’s broader campaign against the Pakistani state, as the group continues to demand independence for Balochistan. The situation remains fluid, with fears of further violence if the standoff persists. The Pakistani government has yet to confirm the full extent of casualties and continues its efforts to neutralize the insurgency.