In Pakistan's southwestern region, gunmen killed 20 miners and injured seven others, a police official reported on Friday. This latest attack in the troubled Balochistan province occurred just before the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) summit to be held in the capital.
Police officer Hamayun Khan Nasir stated that the assailants raided residences near a coal mine in the Duki district early on Friday.
According to Nasir, the attackers also used grenades and rocket launchers during the assault.
Police officer Hamayun Khan Nasir reported that the gunmen surrounded the residential area from all sides and opened fire. Most of the victims were from the Pashto-speaking regions of Balochistan.
Among the deceased, three were of Afghan origin, and four of the injured were also reported to be Afghan. So far, no organization has claimed responsibility for the attack.
In the Duki district, political leader Haji Khairullah Nasir informed the media that the incident occurred in Balochistan province. Unknown attackers opened fire, killing several people.
He also stated that the armed assailants set fire to the mines and machinery before fleeing the scene.
It is noteworthy that Pakistan has seen a rise in terrorist attacks this year. The number of deaths in the first three quarters has exceeded the total recorded for 2023.
Balochistan, bordering Iran and Afghanistan, has long been a stronghold of violent insurgency.