Coal mine attack in Balochistan's Duki leaves 20 miners dead, seven injured

An attack by unidentified armed men on the coal mines of a local coal company in Balochistan’s Duki district, has left 20 miners dead and seven others injured.

According to district authorities, the attackers used heavy weapons, including hand grenades and rocket launchers, during the assault on the mines.

District Chairman Duki, Haji Khairullah Nasir, stated that the attackers targeted the coal mines, firing at the workers and setting fire to the mining equipment.

He stated that police and FC (Frontier Corps) were informed of the attack, but none of the security forces' personnel had arrived at the scene.

Police officials reported that the armed individuals gathered the workers in groups and opened fire on them. SHO Duki, Humayun Khan Nasir, confirmed that 17 bodies have been transported to the civil hospital, and more are being shifted.

Among the deceased, two were from Afghanistan, three from Pishin, one from Kuchlak, four from Killa Saifullah, three from Zhob, and another one from Loralai. All of the deceased and injured workers were Pashtun.

The police further stated that the death toll could rise, as many of the injured are in critical condition.

PM condemns attack

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has strongly condemned the terrorist attack on miners in Duki, Balochistan.

In a statement, he expressed deep sorrow over the loss of precious lives and offered prayers for the elevated status of the deceased miners while extending condolences to their families.

The Prime Minister also wished for the speedy recovery of the injured and directed that they receive all necessary medical assistance.

Shehbaz Sharif also reaffirmed his commitment to eradicating all forms of terrorism and has requested a report on the incident.

Balchistan unrest

Previously, seven labourers were shot dead in an attack by armed assailants in Balochistan's Panjgur district on September 28, according to local authorities.

The tragic incident took place in the Khuda Abadan area, where militants stormed a house and opened indiscriminate fire, leaving seven dead and one seriously injured.

Furthermore, a tragic coal mine accident in Shahrig, Harnai, claimed the lives of five miners after poisonous gas filled a coal mine operated by a private coal Company on September 14.

A rescue operation was launched to ensure the recovery of the trapped coal miners, Abdul Ghani said. He said that the rescue workers retrieved the bodies of 12 coal miners and 8 were rescued alive.

Mining in Balochistan continues to pose significant challenges and dangers to both the environment and the local population.