Duki, Balochistan – In a shocking and tragic incident, gunmen attacked a coal mine in southwestern Pakistan's Balochistan province, resulting in the deaths of 20 miners and leaving seven others in critical condition. Local police have confirmed the tragic news, marking yet another violent episode in a region plagued by political and social tensions. The attack occurred late Thursday night in the Duki district, where armed assailants surrounded residential quarters near the mine and opened fire indiscriminately. According to police officer Humayun Khan Nasir, the onslaught was swift and brutal, claiming lives immediately.
"Twenty people were killed on the spot, while seven others were seriously injured," Nasir reported. The majority of the deceased were from the Pashtun-speaking population of Balochistan, and among the fatalities were three Afghan nationals. The assault has sent shockwaves through the community and raised alarms among government and security agencies, particularly as Pakistan is on high alert due to the ongoing Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Council of Heads of Government meeting. Security measures have been intensified nationwide, with public gatherings, including weddings and other events, being prohibited to ensure safety.
As details of the attack unfold, there remains a cloud of uncertainty regarding both the motive and the perpetrators. Despite inquiries, local law enforcement has not yet identified the attackers, nor has any terrorist organization claimed responsibility for the massacre. The mine targeted is situated in an area historically associated with separatist sentiments, where demands for independence from Pakistan have been echoed by local leaders. Residents have voiced their frustrations, alleging that the Pakistani government exploits the region's rich oil and mineral resources without benefiting the local populace.
This sentiment has only intensified following recent violence, including a claim by the Baloch Liberation Army regarding an attack on Chinese nationals near Pakistan's largest airport. As the investigation continues, the haunting question lingers: what drives such violence in Balochistan, and when will the cycle of bloodshed come to an end? The nation mourns the loss of life while grappling with the complexities that fuel unrest in this resource-rich yet troubled province.
