The Baloch Liberation Army (BLA) has threatened to execute ten Pakistani hostages following drone strikes and artillery shelling carried out by Pakistani forces amid an ongoing hostage standoff in Balochistan’s Bolan district. In a statement released to the media, BLA spokesperson Jeeyand Baloch accused the Pakistani military of engaging in “reckless and irrational military aggression,” alleging that drone strikes and artillery fire targeted BLA positions near the hijacked Jaffar Express train. He claimed these attacks demonstrated Pakistan’s inability to engage in serious negotiations for a prisoner exchange, asserting that authorities were acting out of “war obsession and stubbornness.”

Despite the strikes, Baloch stated that no BLA fighters were harmed due to their “strong defensive strategy and complete control of the battlefield.” “In response to today’s indiscriminate bombardment, we are left with no choice but to execute ten more hostages immediately,” he warned. He further declared that if Pakistani forces initiated another attack even a single shot ten additional hostages would be executed on the spot.

Pakistani military sources reported that at least 13 insurgents involved in the attack had been killed, with several others injured. Officials stated that intense clashes were ongoing as militants split into smaller groups. However, these claims remain unverified, and the BLA dismissed them as “fabricated lies meant to mislead the public and cover up the military’s failure.” “Pakistani state institutions are falsely claiming victories to conceal their setbacks,” Jeeyand Baloch asserted.

Railway officials confirmed that the hostages include senior Pakistani security officers, among them at least one army major and several high-ranking personnel.

A senior Pakistani military official, speaking to the BBC on condition of anonymity, disclosed that the hijacked train was carrying over 100 military personnel but refrained from sharing further details about rescue operations. Meanwhile, approximately 80 civilian passengers comprising 43 men, 26 women, and 11 children arrived safely at Machh Railway Station after being released by the BLA. “During this operation, BLA fighters have ensured the release of women, children, and Baloch passengers, leaving only personnel from the occupying forces in captivity,” the group stated.

However, emergency response efforts encountered unexplained disruptions. Dr. Garmukh Das, Medical Superintendent at Sibi’s main hospital, revealed that ambulances dispatched to Kachhi District Hospital were inexplicably turned back by authorities. “We were not given any explanation for why the ambulances were turned away,” Dr. Das reported.

The crisis began on Tuesday afternoon when BLA militants hijacked the Jaffar Express near Machh in Balochistan’s Bolan district, capturing over 200 Pakistani military, paramilitary, police, and intelligence personnel. The group initially issued a 48-hour ultimatum, demanding the immediate release of detained Baloch political prisoners, forcibly disappeared activists, and captured resistance fighters. BLA spokesperson Jeeyand Baloch claimed their fighters successfully repelled a Pakistani ground and aerial assault to recapture the train, stating: “Pakistani reinforcements attempted an eight-hour-long operation to retake the train and rescue their captured personnel, but our forces repelled the attack, eliminating more than 30 enemy soldiers and forcing the troops to withdraw.”

Reiterating their ultimatum, the BLA emphasized that fewer than 40 hours remained for their demands to be met. “If our conditions are not fulfilled within the remaining time, or if Pakistani forces attempt another military intervention, all prisoners of war will be executed, and the seized train will be completely destroyed,” Jeeyand Baloch warned. He concluded by stating: “This is our final and irreversible decision. The BLA is fully prepared to enforce its terms without delay.” Pakistani authorities have yet to issue an official response to the BLA’s ultimatum or latest threats. The situation remains tense and rapidly evolving, with further developments anticipated.

Disclaimer: This image is taken from the BBC.