Armed attack in Balochistan coal mine kills 20 workers, including Afghans

Authorities in Balochistan, Pakistan, reported that at least 20 workers were killed in an attack by armed individuals on a coal mine in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. According to police officials, three Afghan citizens were among the deceased workers.

Police and health officials stated that seven other workers were also injured in the attack.

The police chief of the Duki area said on Friday, October 11, to the Dawn newspaper that a group of armed men attacked the coal mine belonging to a private company using heavy weapons. Homayoun Khan added that the attackers also utilized grenades and rockets during their assault.

Health officials in the Duki region confirmed that at least twenty bodies and six injured individuals were transferred to the hospital following the incident. Meanwhile, Kaleemullah Kakar, the deputy commissioner of the Duki area, mentioned that the victims of this attack came from various parts of Pakistan, with some being citizens of Afghanistan.

No one or group has claimed responsibility for the attack yet; however, the Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan and Baloch separatist militants are known to have an active presence in these areas.

Previously, armed assaults on coal mines in Balochistan have resulted in the loss of workers’ lives.

This tragic incident underscores the ongoing violence and insecurity faced by workers in Balochistan, particularly in sectors such as mining, where armed groups often target laborers.

The situation calls for immediate attention from the government and relevant authorities to ensure the safety of workers and address the rampant violence that continues to threaten their livelihoods.

Furthermore, the involvement of Afghan citizens among the victims highlights the broader implications of regional instability and the necessity for international support in tackling such crises.

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