Rebels Take Hostages on Pakistani Train, Leaving 30 Dead

Armed separatists staged a brazen attack on a train carrying passengers in the southwestern part of Pakistan the previous day, abducting hostages and making the fate of hundreds of passengers in limbo during some of the most dramatic militant attacks in the region over the last few years.

In a series of statements that were made, they claimed that the Baloch Liberation Army claimed they were able to capture 214 hostages which is more than the 182 they had claimed earlier. They claimed, according to the group were active Pakistani security officers among the 400-500 persons onboard the Jaffar Express, while releasing others civilians.

Local police reported that at least 35 people were taken hostage and nearly 350 are believed to be secure. The government didn't clarify the identity of the 35 individuals believed to be held by militants were civilians. The administration did not divulge any fatalities, and the group claimed that it had murdered "30 enemy personnel" as they engaged in gun battles against security personnel.

"BLA has been in complete control over the train and all hostages during the last eight hours. According to the laws of war, the 214 hostages are deemed prisoners of war, and BLA is ready to negotiate a prisoner swap," BLA said in a statement shortly after 10pm. They set the deadline of 48 hours for "the government of the occupying state Pakistan" for Pakistan to "release Baloch political prisoners, disappearances by force and militants of the national resistance".

The group also stated that if demands weren't fulfilled "or if the occupying state attempts any military action" hostages would be killed and the train will be destroyed.