The separatist Baloch Liberation Army claimed responsibility for attacking the train carrying 440 passengers in a tunnel in a remote part of Balochistan. Spokesman Jeeyand Baloch had said the group was ready to free passengers if authorities agree to release jailed militants.

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.

Security forces eliminated 30 attackers and freed 190 passengers after a Baloch separatist group stormed the Jaffar Express Pakistani security forces have completed a military operation to free hostages taken by armed separatists on Tuesday after they stormed the Jaffar Express in Balochistan’s Bolan district.