Tragic Attack on Coal Mine in Balochistan Claims 20 Lives
In a devastating incident early Friday morning, twenty workers lost their lives and seven others were injured in a brutal attack on a coal mine in Pakistan's Balochistan province. The assault occurred around 12:30 a.m. when a group of 35 to 40 heavily armed militants, dressed in civilian clothing, stormed the Junaid Coal Company mines in the Duki area. Local police chief Asim Shafi reported that the attackers were equipped with rocket launchers and grenades, unleashing a barrage of gunfire that lasted approximately 30 minutes before they fled the scene.
The police officer, Humayun Khan, confirmed the use of heavy weaponry during the attack, indicating a significant escalation in violence in the region. A doctor at Doki Hospital reported that the bodies of the deceased workers had begun arriving shortly after the incident.
Balochistan, located in southwestern Pakistan, has long been a hotspot for separatist militant activity. These groups often target laborers from other Pakistani provinces, as well as foreign companies, viewing them as exploiters of the region's rich natural resources. The Balochistan Liberation Army has previously claimed responsibility for similar attacks, including a deadly assault in August that resulted in 39 fatalities. This recent attack underscores the ongoing security challenges in Balochistan, where militants have also targeted Chinese nationals and interests in the past.
Authorities are now ramping up security measures in response to this latest tragedy, as the region continues to grapple with violence and instability.
