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

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 death toll from a militant hijacking of a train in Pakistan's southwestern mountains has risen to 31 soldiers, staff and civilians, the military said on Friday as it accused India and Afghanistan of backing the insurgents.

In Pakistan's Balochistan province, armed militants hijacked a passenger train, killing three people and taking over 450 hostages. Security forces responded swiftly, rescuing more than 150 passengers and killing 27 militants.

Pakistan train hijack HIGHLIGHTS Militants hijacked the Jaffar Express train in Balochistan on Tuesday, taking several passengers hostage. The train, traveling from Quetta to Peshawar, was stopped near Tunnel No.

The Baloch Liberation Army, a militant group seeking secession of the province from Pakistan, had claimed responsibility for the attack.

Hostages freed after a day-long ordeal following a BLA militant attack on a Pakistan train recalled crouching on the floor for hours before their release.

The driver of Jaffar Express, which was hijacked by Balochistan Liberation Army militants, has described the terrifying moment when the insurgents attacked the train as survivors praised the military for their rescue.

Insurgents who attacked a passenger train carrying 440 passengers in restive southwestern Pakistan killed 21 hostages before