Tragedy struck when gunmen attacked the Junaid Coal company mines in southwest Pakistan, killing 20 miners and injuring seven others. The armed assailants used heavy weapons to carry out the attack in the Duki area, east of Quetta.

Details of the Attack

The attackers stormed the mine, rounded up the workers, and opened fire, also using rockets and grenades. Most victims were from Balochistan’s Pashtun-speaking regions, with some Afghan nationals among the casualties.

Unrest in Balochistan

As Pakistan’s poorest province, Balochistan has long been a hotbed of rebel insurgency. Groups criticize the unfair exploitation of their resources by the government, leading to ongoing conflicts.

Recent security alerts warned of potential attacks by separatist groups and the Pakistani Taliban. These threats coincide with Pakistan hosting the Shanghai Cooperation Organization summit, highlighting the country’s need for heightened security measures.

Despite the turmoil, no group has claimed responsibility for the mining attack, adding to the region’s uncertainty and instability.