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

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.

Security forces held off from full-out battles as militants wearing suicide vests loaded with explosives barricaded themselves inside the train with hostages in Balochistan