BLA claims execution of 214 hostages in a Pakistani train hijack after a failed prisoner swap. Pakistan's military disputes toll; details emerge on Darra-e-Bolan attack.

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.

"Terrorists were in direct communications with Afghanistan-based planners throughout the incident," he said. The Foreign Office statement came after the army also officially confirmed the Afghan link to the brazen train hijacking.

In the clearance operation that lasted more than 30 hours, the Pakistan military said it killed 33 BLA terrorists. Chaudhry, director general of military public relations, said 354 passengers were freed, 37 of whom were injured. Officials also revised the tally of passengers on the train downward to 425 from 440.