Pakistan: Gunmen attack coal mines in Balochistan, 20 miners dead

Seven people were injured in the incident.

According to district authorities, the attackers used heavy weapons, including hand grenades and rocket launchers, during the assault on the mines, reported The Express Tribune.

Balochistan has been witnessing a spike in terror activities in recent times.

“A group of armed men attacked the Junaid Coal company mines in the Duki area in the wee hours using heavy weapons,” Duki Station House Officer (SHO) Humayun Khan told Dawn News.

They fired rockets and grenades at the mines as well, SHO Khan added.

No group has claimed responsibility for the attack so far.

The injured people were shifted to  Loralai Tehsil Headquarters for treatment.

“The district administration is actively coordinating with the FC and police to manage and control the situation,” Duki Deputy Commissioner (DC) Kaleemullah Kakar told Dawn News.

Speaking to reporters as quoted by the newspaper, DC Kakar said the victims belonged to various regions of Pakistan, as well as Afghanistan.

Pakistan has been witnessing a spike in terror activities in recent years.

The spike has been specifically witnessed in Balochistan and KP.

While terror attacks declined by 24 per cent in September compared to August, they witnessed surges in August and July, according to monthly security reports as quoted by Dawn News.