Deepshikha Maan, Jadetimes Staff
D. Maan is a Jadetimes news reporter covering Asia
Gunmen Kill at Least 20 Miners in Balochistan, Pakistan
At least 20 workers were killed in a deadly attack at a coal mine in Balochistan province, southwestern Pakistan. Local authorities reported that gunmen stormed the workers' accommodation at the Junaid Coal Company mines in Duki district early Friday morning, rounding up the miners before opening fire.
Attack Details
The assault, which occurred in the early hours, saw the gunmen using heavy weapons, including rocket launchers and grenades. According to police sources, at least six people were injured, and a hospital in Duki received the bodies of 20 victims. The attackers reportedly destroyed machinery during the assault, which lasted over an hour and a half, according to witnesses. Loud explosions were heard, believed to be from grenade detonations.
Eyewitness Account
One survivor, subcontractor Hafeezullah, recounted that a drone was spotted overhead during the attack. He, along with others, hid in a bathroom as the attackers approached. "When the attackers got closer, they shouted, ‘We told you to stop work here, why didn’t you?’," Hafeezullah said, adding that the attackers spoke in Pashto before opening fire. He described how friends and colleagues were killed during the assault, stating, "When I left, there were people lying on the ground."
Weapons Used and Victims Identified
Asim Shafi, the police chief of Duki district, confirmed the use of hand grenades and rocket launchers in the attack. It is believed that as many as 40 gunmen carried out the assault before disappearing into the night. Of the 20 victims, four were identified as Afghans, while the rest were from Pashto-speaking regions of Balochistan.
Lack of Responsibility and Recent Militant Activity
No group has claimed responsibility for the massacre as of yet. However, the separatist Baloch Liberation Army (BLA) has a history of similar attacks in the province. Mine owner Khairullah Nasar mentioned that they had received threats from militants in the past, but there had been no specific warning about this attack.
This latest incident comes on the heels of other militant activities in Pakistan. Earlier this week, a BLA militant carried out a suicide attack near Karachi airport, killing two Chinese nationals and injuring several others. The BLA has been involved in a series of deadly attacks in recent months, pushing for an independent Balochistan and targeting both security forces and civilians.
Condemnation and Government Response
Balochistan's chief minister, Sarfraz Bugti, strongly condemned the attack, stating that the terrorists were trying to destabilize Pakistan. "The terrorists have once again targeted poor laborers the killing of these innocent laborers will be avenged," Bugti said. He emphasized the government's commitment to holding the attackers accountable.
Balochistan, rich in natural resources, has long been a region of unrest, with separatist groups accusing the central government of exploiting its resources. These militants often target workers involved in mining and infrastructure projects, as well as security personnel.
With the upcoming Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) summit to be held in Islamabad, security measures have been heightened, particularly in areas where militants are known to operate. Chinese nationals working on infrastructure projects have been identified as high risk targets, and the Pakistani government has reportedly taken steps to ensure their safety during the summit.
