Gunmen Kill 21 Miners in Balochistan, Sparking Protests and National Condemnation
Gunmen attacked a coal mine in Duki district, Balochistan, killing 21 miners and wounding six others. The attackers stormed the accommodation late Thursday night, opening fire and using rockets and grenades before fleeing. Many victims were from Pashto-speaking areas, while some were Afghan nationals. The families of the slain miners refused to bury the bodies, staging a sit-in demanding justice. No group claimed responsibility, but suspicion fell on the Baloch Liberation Army (BLA), a separatist group known for targeting civilians and security forces.
Balochistan, rich in minerals, is home to several separatist movements accusing the federal government of exploiting the region's resources. The BLA has carried out multiple attacks in the province, killing over 50 people in August. Local authorities condemned the latest killings, with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif vowing to eliminate terrorism and Chief Minister Sarfraz Bugti promising retaliation. The violence comes just after major Saudi investment deals were signed, including mining interests in Balochistan.
The attack highlights the ongoing instability in Balochistan, where separatist groups have long resisted federal control. Despite billions in foreign investments, particularly from China, local communities continue to suffer from the violence, deepening tensions in the mineral-rich region. The BLA has repeatedly warned foreign workers, especially Chinese, to leave the area to avoid attacks.
Gunmen attacked a coal mine in Duki district, Balochistan, killing 21 miners and wounding six others. The attackers stormed the accommodation late Thursday night, opening fire and using rockets and grenades before fleeing. Many victims were from Pashto-speaking areas, while some were Afghan nationals. The families of the slain miners refused to bury the bodies, staging a sit-in demanding justice. No group claimed responsibility, but suspicion fell on the Baloch Liberation Army (BLA), a separatist group known for targeting civilians and security forces.
Balochistan, rich in minerals, is home to several separatist movements accusing the federal government of exploiting the region's resources. The BLA has carried out multiple attacks in the province, killing over 50 people in August. Local authorities condemned the latest killings, with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif vowing to eliminate terrorism and Chief Minister Sarfraz Bugti promising retaliation. The violence comes just after major Saudi investment deals were signed, including mining interests in Balochistan.
The attack highlights the ongoing instability in Balochistan, where separatist groups have long resisted federal control. Despite billions in foreign investments, particularly from China, local communities continue to suffer from the violence, deepening tensions in the mineral-rich region. The BLA has repeatedly warned foreign workers, especially Chinese, to leave the area to avoid attacks.
