The train hijacking in south-western Pakistan represents a major escalation in the region’s long-running insurgency.

Baloch separatists who hijacked a Pakistani passenger train claimed to have executed all 214 military hostages after their deadline to exchange them for Baloch political prisoners expired. The Baloch Liberation Army (BLA) accused the Pakistani government of ignoring their ultimatum,

The BLA, a separatist group seeking Balochistan’s independence from Pakistan, hijacked the Peshawar-bound Jaffar Express on Tuesday after destroying railway tracks.

The Baloch Liberation Army (BLA) claims responsibility for executing 214 hostages in Balochistan, citing Pakistan`s refusal to negotiate. The operation, dubbed `Darra-e-Bolan`, is ongoing.

The BLA is one of the largest militant outfits demanding independence for Balochistan. It is designated as a terrorist group by Pakistan as well as the US.

The Balochistan Liberation Army or BLA is a Baloch ethnonationalist militant group operating from the southern regions of Pakistan, perpetrating its attack in neighbouring Pakistan's Balochistan province.

Pakistan’s prime minister has commended the country’s armed forces for successfully rescuing 339 passengers after a deadly train hijacking by insurgents in the southwest

The BLA said they gave the Pakistan Army 48 hours to exchange prisoners of war, but since they did not heed their warning, they killed the hostages

Pakistan authorities announced the elimination of 33 militants who attacked a passenger train and the rescue of all remaining hostages, reports AP News. Armed fighters from the separatist group Baloch Liberation Army (BLA) attacked the Jafer Express train traveling from Quetta to Peshawar.