Gunmen have carried out a brutal attack in southwest Pakistan, leaving 20 miners dead and seven others wounded. The incident occurred just before an Asian security summit, prompting authorities to launch a search for the assailants responsible for this heinous act of violence.
According to a police official, the gunmen raided the accommodation at a coal mine in Duki district late on Thursday night. They rounded up the miners before opening fire, also causing damage to machinery with rockets and grenades. Most of the victims hailed from Pashtun-speaking regions of Balochistan, with three of the deceased and four of the injured being Afghan nationals.
While no group has claimed immediate responsibility for the attack, suspicion points towards the outlawed Baloch Liberation Army (BLA), known for targeting civilians and security forces in the region. Previous attacks by the BLA have resulted in numerous casualties, with the group’s recent activities drawing widespread condemnation.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif expressed deep sorrow over the loss of lives in the coal mine and vowed to eradicate terrorism in the region. The Chief Minister of Balochistan, Sarfraz Bugti, condemned the attack on innocent labourers and vowed to bring the perpetrators to justice, emphasising that such acts of violence would not go unpunished.
Balochistan, a province home to several separatist groups seeking independence, has been a hotspot for such incidents. The recent attack on Chinese nationals outside Pakistan’s largest airport, claimed by the BLA, has raised concerns about security measures in the country. The upcoming Shanghai Cooperation Organization summit in Islamabad has led to increased security measures, as authorities remain vigilant against potential threats.
The tragic loss of lives in the coal mine attack underscores the ongoing challenges faced by Pakistan in ensuring the safety and security of its citizens and foreign nationals. As investigations continue and efforts are made to apprehend the perpetrators, the incident serves as a stark reminder of the persistent threat of terrorism in the region.