ISLAMABAD, March 15: The Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA) has claimed responsibility for executing 214 hostages aboard the Jaffar Express train after the Pakistani army failed to meet their 48-hour ultimatum for exchanging prisoners of war. The BLA accused Pakistan of prioritizing “stubbornness and military arrogance” over negotiations, which led to the deaths of the hostages. The group had previously hijacked the Jaffar Express, which was carrying around 450 passengers, by bombing a railway track in the mountainous southwest Balochistan region.
The BLA stated that the Pakistani army’s refusal to negotiate resulted in the massacre of the hostages. The group also honored 12 of its fighters who died in clashes, including those killed during Wednesday and Thursday’s battles. Additionally, the BLA recognized the sacrifices of five members from the Majeed Brigade, a faction known for carrying out suicide attacks.
In a statement, the BLA described a previous operation called ‘Darra-e-Bolan,’ in which they ambushed and captured Pakistani military personnel, alleging that Pakistani SSG commandos failed in their attempt to rescue the hostages, resulting in significant casualties. Despite the Pakistani military’s claims of a successful hostage rescue from the Jaffar Express, the BLA refuted these assertions, stating that the hostages were released on the first day of the attack under “rules of war.” The BLA maintained that the Pakistani military operation was a failure, despite its “military and intelligence superiority.”
The BLA emphasized that their fighters would continue to target Pakistani forces through ambushes. They also refuted the Pakistani military’s narrative of the rescue operation, accusing the army of concealing the true number of casualties to prevent a dip in morale. The BLA urged international media to investigate the true nature of the events, instead of relying on the official narrative promoted by Pakistan’s state and media outlets.
On March 11, 2025, the Jaffar Express was targeted in the Mushqaf area of Bolan district, Balochistan. Militants detonated explosives at Tunnel Number 8, causing the train to derail and trapping passengers inside. The attackers, using their local knowledge and prior experience, took control of over 400 passengers, including military personnel, who were their primary targets for high-value hostages. After the derailment, the militants opened fire, engaging with security forces aboard while securing the train.
Pakistani intelligence sources revealed that the BLA’s success in hijacking the train came from their precise timing and deep local knowledge. The train’s derailment provided a strategic advantage, allowing the attackers to easily secure their hold on the train.
Following the hijacking, Pakistani authorities launched a rescue operation, claiming that over 340 passengers had been freed during the two-day operation. However, at least 25 bodies, including 21 hostages, were retrieved from the site of the hijacking. The Pakistani military reported that 28 soldiers died in the operation, including 27 off-duty soldiers.
The BLA has vowed to continue its campaign against Pakistani forces, promising more attacks in the future.
