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

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.