The tense situation in Baluchistan escalated as the Baluch Liberation Army hijacked the Jaffar Express train, taking several hostages. The militants threatened to execute hostages if their demands for a prisoner exchange were not met within 48 hours. There have been clashes resulting in casualties on both sides, with around 190 people rescued so far. The Pakistani government is adopting a tough stance, showing little willingness to negotiate, despite rising concerns about casualties and the well-being of hostages. Claims of militants using civilians as shields have surfaced amid the chaos.
After intense clashes overnight, Pakistani officials said Wednesday that 190 people had been freed and 30 militants killed but that the hostage situation remained unresolved.
The BLA initially claimed to have taken about 180 hostages, threatening to kill them if a rescue operation was attempted while urging Pakistani officials to instead negotiate a prisoner exchange.
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