Baloch militants' chilling warning to Pakistan Army after hijacking passenger train: ‘Hostages will be executed if…’

Taking full responsibility of the operation, BLA stated that six military personnel have been killed, and hundreds remain in their custody (Representative Image)

The Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA) has claimed responsibility for hijacking the Jaffar Express – the train which was on its way from Quetta to Peshawar -- holding over 100 passengers hostage.

In a strongly worded statement, the group warned the Pakistani army against any intervention, threatening to execute the hostages if such an attempt was made. The BLA maintained that any ensuing casualties would be the sole responsibility of the Pakistani military.

“The Baloch Liberation Army has carried out a meticulously planned operation in Mashkaf, Dhadar, Bolan, where our freedom fighters have blown up the railway track, forcing the Jaffar Express to come to a halt. The fighters swiftly took control of the train, holding all passengers hostage," it said.

“This operation is being conducted jointly by the Majeed Brigade, STOS, and Fateh Squad — specialized units of the BLA. Any military incursion will be met with an equally forceful response," they added.

Taking full responsibility of the operation, BLA stated that six military personnel have been killed, and hundreds remain in their custody.

“..If the occupying forces attempt any military operation, the consequences will be severe. All hundreds of hostages will be executed, and the responsibility for this bloodshed will lie solely with the occupying forces,” it said.

The attack on the Jaffar Express passenger train took place near Ab-e-Gum area of Mach Town in Balochistan's Kachhi district, where around six armed men opened fire on the train, spreading panic among passengers, The Express Tribune newspaper reported.

"There are reports of intense firing at a Jaffar Express, which was heading from Quetta to Peshawar, between Pehro Kunri and Gadalar,” Balochistan government spokesperson Shahid Rind was quoted as saying by Dawn.

Meanwhile, Controller Railways Muhammad Kashif said that the train, comprising nine coaches, had over 400 passengers on board.

The Balochistan government directed local authorities to take “emergency measures”.