Devastating Attack on Pakistani Coal Mines Claims 21 Lives Amidst Rising Violence

A tragic assault unfolded on Friday as a group of around 40 armed attackers stormed private coal mines in the Duki area of southwestern Pakistan. These assailants, equipped with guns, rockets, and hand grenades, ruthlessly targeted miners—some were executed in their sleep, while others were lined up and shot. The chilling incident has resulted in the deaths of at least 21 individuals, according to police reports.

This heinous act is the deadliest attack in recent weeks within the mineral-rich Balochistan province, which shares borders with Afghanistan and Iran. It comes just days before Pakistan is set to host a major summit for the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation, raising concerns about security in the region.

Regional police official Asif Shafi stated that the attackers held the mining area for approximately one-and-a-half hours, during which they indiscriminately fired at the miners and launched grenades. The attackers not only killed but also set fire to mining machinery on-site, intensifying the destruction and panic within the community.

Among the casualties were four Afghan nationals, with additional reports of injuries to at least four others. Afghanistan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs condemned the attack and pledged to assist in the transfer of the deceased bodies back to their homeland.

In response to the tragedy, anger swept through the local community as hundreds rallied in protest against the violence, demanding justice and the apprehension of the attackers. Shops and businesses in Duki were closed in solidarity with the grieving families.

Mine owner Khairullah Nasar, who also chairs the district council, lamented that they had been receiving threats from militants but had no actionable intelligence regarding an imminent attack. "They burnt down all 10 mines, along with the equipment and machinery," he disclosed, emphasizing the devastating impact on local businesses and livelihoods.

Balochistan has a long and tumultuous history of insurgency driven by separatist groups advocating for greater autonomy and a more equitable distribution of the region's rich natural resources. The turmoil has frequently spilled over into violence against government forces and foreign nationals.

Provincial governor Jafar Khan Mandokhel condemned the act, stating, "On one side you talk about your independence and your rights, and on the other hand, you are killing innocent labourers." He vowed to take decisive action against such atrocities. Similarly, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif asserted the government's commitment to eradicating all forms of terrorism, announcing that an investigation was underway following the horrific attack.

Adding complexity to the violence in the region, Balochistan has also witnessed a rise in Islamist militant activities, especially since a ceasefire agreement was nullified in 2022. Just this week, two Chinese nationals working on a power project fell victim to a bombing in Karachi, with the Baloch Liberation Army (BLA) claiming responsibility for that attack.

As tensions mount, the provincial government is under pressure to address the escalating violence not only from separatist groups but also from international terrorist organizations that have increasingly targeted foreign interests in the area.

This tragic event serves as a grim reminder of the perils faced by workers in one of Pakistan's most volatile regions, prompting urgent calls for increased security measures and a reevaluation of strategies to stabilize the province.