At least 20 miners were killed, and six others injured when armed men attacked a coal mine in the southwestern province of
Balochistan,
Pakistan, early Friday morning, police said.
The attack targeted the Junaid Coal Company mines in the Duki area, located east of Quetta. According to Humayun Khan, the station house officer for the town, "A group of armed men attacked the Junaid Coal company mines in the Duki area in the wee hours using heavy weapons." He further added that the attackers used rockets and grenades during the assault.
Local authorities have confirmed the casualties.
Johar Khan Shadizai, a doctor at Duki's district hospital, stated, "We have received 20 bodies and six injured so far at district hospital Duki."
Security forces have cordoned off the area, and an investigation is underway to identify and apprehend the perpetrators. The motive behind the attack remains unclear.