Armed attackers stormed a series of coal mines in Pakistan’s Balochistan province, killing at least 21 miners in a brutal overnight assault on October 11, 2024. The incident took place in the Duki district, a region rich in natural resources but plagued by violence from separatist groups. Approximately 40 assailants, equipped with rocket launchers and grenades, launched the attack in the early hours, targeting workers who were resting in their living quarters near the mines.
The attackers unleashed a barrage of gunfire that lasted around 30 minutes before fleeing the scene under the cover of darkness. Many of the miners were shot while they slept, while others were lined up and executed. The victims included both local Baloch workers and Afghan nationals. In addition to the fatalities, six other miners were seriously injured during the assault.
No group has officially claimed responsibility for the attack. However, suspicion has fallen on the Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA), a militant organization with a long history of targeting both civilians and security forces in the region. The BLA, which seeks greater autonomy for the Baloch people and accuses the central government of exploiting the province’s resources, has been behind similar attacks in the past.
The attack comes just days before Pakistan is set to host a high-profile Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit in Islamabad, raising concerns over the country’s ability to provide security for foreign dignitaries. The violence in Balochistan is part of a broader pattern of unrest in the province, where separatist insurgencies have been active for years, fueled by grievances over resource distribution and political marginalization.
The government has condemned the attack, with the Chief Minister of Balochistan, Sarfraz Bugti, vowing to bring the perpetrators to justice. Security forces have launched a manhunt for the attackers, but the remote and rugged terrain of the region has historically made it difficult to apprehend those responsible for such incidents.
This latest attack underscores the continuing security challenges facing Pakistan, particularly in its resource-rich but volatile southwestern regions. As the country prepares for the upcoming SCO summit, ensuring the safety of both local citizens and international visitors will be paramount. The tragic loss of life in Duki highlights the human cost of the ongoing conflict in Balochistan, where workers in dangerous and under-regulated industries like coal mining often find themselves caught in the crossfire.
