Quetta: The Baloch Liberation Army (BLA) has issued a stark warning, threatening to execute 10 Pakistani hostages in retaliation for drone and artillery strikes by the country’s military. The militant group has also set a 48-hour deadline, demanding the release of a forcibly disappeared activist, as tensions escalate in Balochistan’s Bolan district, according to The Balochistan Post.

BLA spokesperson Jeeyand Baloch accused the Pakistani military of launching reckless and "foolish" offensives, stating that the strikes specifically targeted BLA positions near the hijacked Jaffar Express train.

He further claimed that the government’s actions reflected an inability to engage in responsible negotiations regarding a prisoner exchange, alleging that Pakistan’s approach was driven by "war madness and stubbornness." Despite the heavy shelling, the spokesperson asserted that BLA fighters remained unscathed due to their "superior defensive strategies and battlefield control."

Issuing a chilling warning, Jeeyand Baloch declared, "In response to today’s reckless bombardment, we are forced to execute ten more hostages immediately. If even a single bullet is fired again, another ten will face the same fate."

Conflicting claims on military engagement
While Pakistani military sources reported the deaths of at least 13 insurgents involved in the attack, with several others injured, these claims have not been independently verified. The BLA, however, dismissed the military’s statements as "fabrications" intended to mislead the public and mask what they described as the army’s failure.

Jeeyand Baloch alleged that Pakistani forces were attempting to create an illusion of victory while concealing their inability to suppress the insurgency.

Hostage crisis and renewed threats
The crisis began when BLA militants seized control of the Jaffar Express near Machh in Bolan district, capturing more than 200 personnel from the military, paramilitary forces, police and intelligence agencies. The group initially issued a 48-hour ultimatum, demanding the release of detained Baloch political activists, forcibly disappeared individuals and imprisoned resistance fighters.

According to The Balochistan Post, BLA fighters successfully repelled Pakistani reinforcements following intense clashes that lasted over eight hours.

As the deadline now ticks down to less than 40 hours, the BLA has reiterated its ultimatum. Jeeyand Baloch cautioned, "If our demands are not met within the given time, or if Pakistani forces attempt further military intervention, all prisoners of war will be executed, and the seized train will be completely destroyed."

Pakistani authorities have yet to issue an official response to the escalating threats. With the situation remaining volatile and unpredictable, further developments are expected in the coming hours.

ANI