Tragic Attack: 20 Miners Killed in Pakistan's Balochistan

In Pakistan's southwestern region of Balochistan, a devastating attack took place at a coal mine in Duki district. Late Thursday night, gunmen stormed the miners' accommodation, rounded them up, and opened fire. This brutal act left 20 miners dead and seven others injured. The attackers also damaged mining machinery with rockets and grenades before escaping. Most of the victims were from Pashtun-speaking areas, and some were Afghan nationals. The attack happened just days before a major security summit in the capital. No group has claimed responsibility yet, but suspicions are high that the Baloch Liberation Army (BLA) is behind this. The BLA has been known for targeting civilians and security forces in the past. In August, they carried out multiple attacks that killed over 50 people, including an incident where 23 people were shot after being taken from buses and trucks. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif expressed deep sorrow and vowed to eliminate terrorism. Balochistan's chief minister, Sarfraz Bugti, condemned the attack, stating that the laborers were targeted because of their poverty. He vowed that the killings would be avenged. Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi also assured that the perpetrators would face the law.Balochistan is home to several separatist groups who want independence. They accuse the federal government of unfairly exploiting the region's natural resources. Recently, the BLA claimed responsibility for an attack on Chinese engineers outside Pakistan's biggest airport. Two suspects linked to a 2021 bombing that killed Chinese and Pakistani workers were also killed in a shootout. The attack on the miners came hours after Saudi and Pakistani businessmen signed investment agreements worth $2 billion, including mining in Balochistan. Saudi Arabia is also interested in investing in the mineral-rich Reko Diq district. The BLA has warned Chinese workers to leave the province to avoid attacks. With the Shanghai Cooperation Organization summit approaching, authorities have heightened security in the capital. They have alerted provinces to take additional measures against potential attacks by separatists and the Pakistani Taliban.