The Baloch Liberation Army (BLA) says it has executed 50 additional Pakistani military hostages, calling it a “firm and final response” to the “latest act of military aggression by the occupying Pakistani forces.”
In a strongly worded statement, BLA spokesperson Jeeyand Baloch said that Pakistani forces attempted an armed advance against the group’s positions on Wednesday, using heavy artillery and sophisticated weaponry.
He asserted that the “highly organized and professional combat strategy” of BLA fighters “thwarted” these attempts, forcing Pakistani troops into what he termed a “humiliating retreat.”
Mr Baloch acknowledged that three BLA fighters were killed, adding that they had “embraced martyrdom” in the broader Baloch national struggle for independence.
The BLA spokesperson said the decision to execute 50 hostages was prompted by Pakistan’s “persistent aggression, obstinacy, and failure to engage seriously in a prisoner exchange.”
He claimed the hostages were tried and found guilty by the “Baloch National Court” of “war crimes, ethnic cleansing, enforced disappearances, resource exploitation, and acts of state terrorism” in Balochistan.
In addition to the 50 executions, the BLA says it executed 10 hostages overnight following a Pakistani drone strike. The group also claims 10 Pakistani soldiers were killed in Wednesday’s clashes, with 30 more killed the previous day. By the BLA’s count, “enemy fatalities” now exceed 100, and about 150 military personnel remain in BLA custody.
“We have the strength, capability, and unwavering resolve to enforce every decision with absolute precision,”
Mr Baloch stressed, warning that any further aggression—“even if it involved a single act of hostility”—would result in the immediate execution of all remaining hostages.
He also reaffirmed that the initial ultimatum to the Pakistani state now has 20 hours left.
“If concrete steps toward a prisoner exchange are not taken within this time, then with every passing hour, more hostages will be tried by the “Baloch National Court” and executed accordingly,”
the spokesperson said.
Jaffar Express Remains Under BLA Control, Rescue Operations Fail
According to government officials, two attempts to rescue hostages aboard the Jaffar Express—hijacked by the BLA near Bolan on 11 March—have failed.
An official, speaking to The Guardian, said about 130 hostages were still being held by the BLA and remained on the train. “There was an attempt to rescue the hostages last night but it was repelled by the insurgents.
In the morning, another attempt was repelled,” the official said, requesting anonymity as he did not have permission to brief the media.
All Women, Elderly, and Children Released
The Baloch Liberation Army also released a third audio message from Tuesday night earlier on its official media channel, Hakkal, featuring a fighter involved in the attack. The group has so far disseminated multiple videos and audio recordings via its channel.
In the audio, BLA fighters—who appear to be addressing their commander—confirm that all women, children, and elderly hostages have been released. The recording also describes ongoing clashes, stating that after a drone was shot down and 20 security personnel were killed, Pakistani forces halted their advance.
Families of Hostages Demand Government Action
Meanwhile, family members of the captive security personnel have gathered at Quetta Railway Station, criticizing “government inaction and a lack of official updates.”
“We can find more information on social media than from the authorities and railway administration,”
one distressed relative said.
Expressing her frustration, she added, “May our authorities face such a catastrophe personally—then they would realize our suffering. They move under heavy security and protocol from one station to another, while we are left in agony.”
“We are citizens of this country. We pay taxes, yet our lives seem to hold no value,”
another family member said, adding that some have been prohibited from speaking to the press.