Attack on Miners in Pakistan’s Balochistan Kills 20, Injures 7.
In a tragic incident, at least 20 miners were killed and seven others injured in an early morning attack in Pakistan’s restive Balochistan province on Friday. Unidentified gunmen stormed a small private coal mine, lining up the miners and opening fire. The attack, which occurred in the mineral-rich southwestern region bordering Afghanistan and Iran, is one of the deadliest in weeks.
The victims were engaged in their work when the assailants launched the brutal assault. Local authorities have initiated an investigation, but the identities and motives of the attackers remain unknown. The region, known for its vast natural resources, has long been a hotspot for violence, with separatist insurgencies and militant activities posing significant security challenges.
This attack comes just days before Pakistan is set to host the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit, raising concerns over the deteriorating security situation. Additionally, it coincides with the visit of a Saudi Arabian delegation exploring mining opportunities in Pakistan as part of Islamabad’s efforts to attract foreign investments to mitigate its economic crisis.
Authorities have heightened security in the region, and an urgent appeal for safety measures in Balochistan’s mining sector has been made. The injured are receiving medical treatment, while security forces have been deployed to track down the perpetrators.
