Baloch rebels refute Pak's claim of ending Jaffar Express siege operation, say 'battle continues...'

The bodies of at least 25 people, including 21 hostages, were recovered from the train hijack site

In a statement issued on Thursday, the Baloch Liberation Army (BLA) said that Pakistan Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR)’s claim of ending operation at Bolan of Balochistan is a “lie” and that the operation is far from over.

According to the BLA’s statement, the Pakistani Army is suppressing the true casualty figures to protect the morale of its forces. The group called on international media to conduct independent investigations instead of echoing the narrative presented by the Pakistani state and media.

“Pakistan ISPR’s claim of ending the operation at Bolan of Balochistan is a lie and the battle continues. Pakistan Army has not yet publicly shared names and photographs of 100+ Pakistani soldiers killed. No names or photos of 33 Baloch fighters released (either),” News18 quoted the BLA statement.

The bodies of at least 25 people, including 21 hostages, were recovered from the train hijack site.

According to the Pakistani Army, more than 340 passengers were rescued in a two-day operation that ended late Wednesday. The army also confirmed the deaths of 28 soldiers, 27 of whom were off-duty.

*CNN News18 Exclusive*@CNNnews18Baloch Liberation Army in a statement saysPakistan ISPRs claim of ending operation at Bolan of Balochistan is a lie and the battle continues.Pakistan Army has not yet publicly shared names and photographs of 100+ Pakistani soldiers killed. pic.twitter.com/S0vE4OGQx4

Anand Narasimhan (@AnchorAnandN) March 13, 2025

The Baloch rebels, meanwhile claim that they have killed over 100 Pakistani soldiers.

The Jaffar Express, carrying 440 passengers in nine coaches, was going from Quetta to Peshawar when militants derailed it using explosives and hijacked it near the mountainous terrain of Gudalar and Piru Kunri in a tunnel 160 kilometres from Quetta.

The BLA claimed responsibility for the attack.

Balochistan has witnessed an uptick in terrorist attacks over the past year.

In the past, the railway tracks in this area have been attacked by Baloch militants using rockets or remote-controlled bombs, and the BLA claimed responsibility for most of the attacks.

In October last year, Pakistan Railways announced the restoration of train services between Quetta and Peshawar after a suspension of more than a month and a half. A month later, at least 26 people were killed and 62 injured after a suicide blast ripped through a Quetta Railway Station.