Balochistan Coal Miners Attack: Roadside Bomb Kills 11 Workers
A roadside bomb in Balochistan killed 11 coal miners and injured six others.
Roadside Bomb Kills 11 Coal Miners in Balochistan, Pakistan
ISLAMABAD: Authorities in Pakistan’s southwestern Balochistan province reported that at least 11 coal mine workers were killed and six injured when their vehicle hit a roadside bomb early Friday morning.
The incident took place near a coal mine in the Harnai district, a region known for its natural resources but also for frequent attacks by insurgent groups.
Balochistan Chief Minister Sarfaraz Bugti condemned the Balochistan coal miners attack, vowing that those responsible would be brought to justice soon.
In Islamabad, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif also expressed sorrow over the deaths of the miners and assured that the government is actively working to eliminate terrorism.
No Immediate Claim of Responsibility
No group immediately claimed responsibility for the roadside bombing, but Baloch militant organizations have been active in the area for years, targeting both security forces and workers linked to mining projects.
The Baloch Liberation Army (BLA), particularly its suicide bomber unit known as the Majeed Brigade, has carried out several deadly attacks in Balochistan, killing security personnel and civilians.
Recent Deadly Attacks in Balochistan
This attack follows a January 31 incident in Kalat district, where BLA militants killed 18 Pakistani paramilitary troops by ambushing their bus. It marked one of the deadliest days for security forces in recent months.
The United Nations Security Council recently released a global terrorism report, stating that the Majeed Brigade of BLA maintains connections with:
- TTP (Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan)
- ISIL-K (Islamic State-Khorasan Province)
- ETIM (East Turkestan Islamic Movement)
According to the UN report, these groups collaborate on operational bases in Afghanistan, raising concerns over cross-border militant activity.
Balochistan: A Region Plagued by Insurgency
Balochistan, which shares borders with Iran and Afghanistan, has been a hotbed of insurgent attacks, often carried out by the BLA, TTP, and ISIL-K.
Ethnic Baloch militants have been demanding greater autonomy and a larger share of the province’s natural resources, leading to ongoing conflicts with the state.
Government’s Counterterrorism Response
Pakistani authorities have intensified counterterrorism operations in Balochistan, aiming to neutralize militant networks responsible for attacks such as the Balochistan coal miners attack.
Security forces continue to monitor militant activities near the Pak-Afghan border, where insurgent groups are believed to have safe havens.
