Overview

• The Baloch Liberation Army (BLA) attacked the Jaffar Express traveling from Quetta to Peshawar, derailing it in the mountainous Bolan Pass region of Balochistan.
• Conflicting reports emerged about the number of hostages, with the BLA claiming over 100 captives, while officials stated that 35 passengers remain held and 350 have been rescued.
• The BLA has warned against military intervention, threatening to execute hostages, though they claim to have released women, children, and Baloch passengers.
• The attack comes amidst escalating violence in Balochistan, with the BLA intensifying its insurgency for independence and targeting infrastructure and security forces.
• Rescue efforts are ongoing, with security forces encountering significant resistance in the rugged terrain, and the situation remains critical.