A devastating attack on coal mines in the Duki district of Balochistan has left at least 20 miners dead and several injured. The attackers reportedly used rocket launchers and hand grenades in the assault, setting fire to machinery within the mines.

The deceased and injured have been transported to local hospitals. Police confirmed that the victims hailed from various regions, including Pishin, Qilla Saifullah, Zhob, Muslim Bagh, Musa Khel, Quetta, and Afghanistan.

According to police, the attackers gathered the miners into groups before opening fire. SHO Humayun Khan stated that all of the deceased and injured were Pashtun.

The coal mines are owned by Duki District Chairman Haji Khairullah, who reported that the attackers set fire to ten coal engines at the mines. He further confirmed the use of hand grenades, rocket launchers, and other heavy weaponry in the attack. Authorities are currently investigating the incident.

Balochistan has witnessed several terrorist attacks against ordinary labourer or wage earners in recent months but those primarily targeted people from the Punjab province.

This is the first major attack against Pashtuns who form a large proportion of population in Balochistan.