Separatist Baloch militants of Baloch Liberation Army attacked a passenger train in southwestern Pakistan on March 11th, blowing up a railway track and opening fire, according to police and the insurgents. While police have not confirmed the number of hostages, the insurgents claim to be holding 214 people and have threatened to begin executing them. BLA has released an audio of their men communicating. BLA has called it operation Mashkaaf.

Latest updates:

~After 22 hours, more than 30 personnel have been killed, while 214 Pakistani army personnel are being held hostage by the BLA.

~Pro-BLA groups have released a video showing that civilians aboard the Jaffar Express have been released.

~The hostages include a serving officer of Captain rank, along with Pakistan Army and paramilitary soldiers. The BLA has also released a list of their names.

~Some videos and posters suggest that the train was derailed near a tunnel.

~ Seventeen Pakistani army personnel have been confirmed injured in the clashes.

~Five bodies of Pakistani military personnel and 13 injured personnel have been taken to Sibi city by ambulance.

~According to the BLA’s statement, if the prisoner swap isn’t completed within the given time, the Pakistan Army will face more losses each hour.