The train hijacking in south-western Pakistan represents a major escalation in the region’s long-running insurgency.

Director General Lieutenant Gen Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry said 26 hostages were killed by the terrorists before the start of the army operation.

Baloch separatists who hijacked a Pakistani passenger train claimed to have executed all 214 military hostages after their deadline to exchange them for Baloch political prisoners expired. The Baloch Liberation Army (BLA) accused the Pakistani government of ignoring their ultimatum,

The BLA is one of the largest militant outfits demanding independence for Balochistan. It is designated as a terrorist group by Pakistan as well as the US.

The Baloch Liberation Army (BLA) claims responsibility for executing 214 hostages in Balochistan, citing Pakistan`s refusal to negotiate. The operation, dubbed `Darra-e-Bolan`, is ongoing.

Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA) is an organization of Balochistan of Pakistan, whose aim is to separate Balochistan from Pakistan.

Pakistan's military spokesman said on Friday the death toll in a train hijacking in the country's southwestern mountains had risen to 31 and he repeated accusations that neighbouring India and Afghanistan backed the militants who carried it out.

The BLA said they gave the Pakistan Army 48 hours to exchange prisoners of war, but since they did not heed their warning, they killed the hostages