In a tragic attack in Balochistan province, southwestern Pakistan, gunmen have killed at least 20 miners at the Junaid Coal Company mines. Local police reported that the assault occurred in the early hours of Friday morning when attackers stormed the workers’ accommodation, rounding them up before opening fire with heavy weapons, including rockets and grenades.
The Duki district hospital has received 20 bodies and is treating six individuals who were injured in the attack. Among the victims, four were confirmed to be Afghan nationals, while the others hailed from Pashto-speaking regions of Balochistan. The attackers also set fire to mining machinery during the assault.
No group has yet claimed responsibility, but the separatist group Baloch Liberation Army (BLA) has been linked to several violent incidents in the area. Previously, the BLA was involved in a suicide attack that killed two Chinese nationals near Karachi airport.
Balochistan’s chief minister, Sarfraz Bugti, condemned the attack, emphasizing that the attackers aim to destabilize Pakistan. He vowed that the killings of these innocent laborers would be avenged. Balochistan is home to various separatist groups that accuse the central government of exploiting its resource-rich territory. These militants often target security forces and individuals involved in mining and infrastructure projects.
The recent violence raises concerns ahead of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation summit, scheduled to take place in Islamabad next week, prompting authorities to enhance security measures, particularly for Chinese citizens in the region.