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

Train hijackers in Pakistan’s Balochistan province killed a total of 31 security personnel and civilians before they were neutralised, according to Pakistan Army

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 separatist Baloch Liberation Army claimed responsibility for attacking the train carrying 440 passengers in a tunnel in a remote part of Balochistan. Spokesman Jeeyand Baloch had said the group was ready to free passengers if authorities agree to release jailed militants.

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

Hostages freed after a day-long ordeal following a BLA militant attack on a Pakistan train recalled crouching on the floor for hours before their release.

Pakistani security forces stormed a hijacked train on March 12, ending a day-long standoff with separatist militants. The attackers, Baloch separatist militants, had hijacked the Jaffar Express on March 11 after blowing up the railway track,