More than 30 hours have passed since the Baloch Liberation Army (BLA) took control of Jaffar Express, with tensions continuing to escalate. In response, the Health Department has issued directives for all hospitals in Quetta to maintain a 24/7 presence of doctors and medical staff, anticipating casualties from the ongoing clashes.
Hospital says, ambulances carrying bodies and injured personnel from Bolan are en route to Quetta. The remains of killed and abducted security personnel are being transferred to the city. In light of the situation, the Pak Army has increased patrols across major roads, while security at hospitals has been further tightened.
Meanwhile, the BLA has released all women, children, and elderly hostages, while over 200 military personnel remain in their custody, according to a statement from the militant group. Several freed passengers, who arrived in Quetta late last night, confirmed in media interviews that they were released unharmed by the attackers.
BLA rejects prisoner exchange, executes 50 captive soldiers
In a new statement, BLA spokesperson Jeeyand Baloch claimed that the group rejected Pakistan’s warnings and an offer for a prisoner exchange, leading to further escalations. He said that Pak Army attempted to advance using heavy artillery and weapons, resulting in intense clashes between the two sides.
Baloch said that BLA fighters successfully repelled the offensive, forcing the military into a humiliating retreat. He also confirmed that three BLA fighters were killed in battle, whom he hailed as heroes of the Baloch national freedom struggle.
In response to Pakistan’s aggression and refusal to negotiate a prisoner swap, the BLA claims to have executed 50 captive personnel, who have committed war crimes, enforced disappearances, and resource exploitation in Balochistan.
BLA Challenges Pakistan’s Victory Claims
Following reports from Pakistan’s Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) that the operation had ended, the BLA dismissed the claims as false propaganda to cover up military failures.
“The reality on the ground is that the war is still ongoing across multiple fronts, and the Pakistan Army is suffering heavy casualties,” said BLA spokesperson Jeeyand Baloch. He further challenged Pakistan to allow independent journalists and neutral observers access to conflict zones, claiming that only then would the world see the true scale of military losses.
The BLA has warned that the conflict is spiraling beyond the Paki establishment’s control, asserting that the military’s defeat is inevitable. The group remains committed to continuing the battle on its own terms until its objectives are achieved.
Meanwhile, after failing in direct combat, Pak forces have begun targeting civilian areas in an effort to retaliate.