Protests have erupted in Duki, Balochistan, after a rocket attack on coal mines resulted in the deaths of at least 20 miners and injured seven others. This violent incident occurred early Friday morning when armed assailants targeted the mines with heavy weapons, including rockets and grenades, according to Humayun Khan, the local police station house officer.
The mineral-rich region, which borders Afghanistan and Iran, has long been plagued by violence. No group has yet claimed responsibility for the attack. In response, citizens held a demonstration at Bacha Khan Chowk, bringing the bodies of the slain miners to the streets. Traders across Duki also announced a shutter-down strike in protest, leading to the closure of all markets and trade centers in the district.
In the aftermath of the attack, police and Frontier Corps personnel cordoned off the area around the mines and initiated a search operation. Initially, two deaths were reported, but the toll quickly rose to 20, as confirmed by Medical Officer Dr. Johar Sadozai. The victims included miners from Pishin, Qila Saifullah, Kuchlak, and three who had traveled from Afghanistan.
Haji Khairullah Nasir, the coal mine owner, stated that the attackers not only assaulted the mining site but also set machinery on fire. Balochistan Chief Minister Sarfaraz Bugti condemned the attack, calling the laborers “soft targets” and vowing to take action against those responsible.
The resurgence of militant attacks in Pakistan has been linked to the Taliban’s return to power in Afghanistan, prompting the government to implement a national counter-terrorism campaign known as Operation Azm-e-Istehkam.
