At least ten people were killed in a deadly militant-style attack on a mining site in Chagai, as unidentified gunmen targeted a copper and gold project, triggering intense violence and destruction.
The assault took place in the Darigun area, where armed attackers stormed a facility operated by National Resources Limited during the evening hours. According to officials, the attackers opened fire and used heavy weapons, sparking a fierce gun battle with private security guards stationed at the site.
Security personnel reportedly resisted the assault, leading to a prolonged exchange of gunfire. During the attack, the assailants set fire to key infrastructure, including drilling machinery and power generators, severely damaging the operational capacity of the mining project.
Authorities said the situation escalated when a fuel tank at the site exploded amid the gunfire and arson, causing multiple fatalities. Several victims were reportedly burned in the blast, contributing to the high death toll.
Among those killed was a foreign national from Türkiye, while the remaining victims included workers from different parts of Pakistan, including Sindh, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Gilgit-Baltistan, and local areas of Balochistan.
The attackers fled the scene after the assault, taking several vehicles with them. Law enforcement agencies, including the Frontier Corps, quickly reached the area, secured the site, and launched a search operation across the surrounding rugged terrain.
The injured and deceased were shifted to Prince Fahd Hospital in Dalbandin, where medical teams continue to manage the aftermath of the attack.
Officials said security forces are continuing clearance operations and investigations, while the company remains in coordination with authorities to protect remaining staff and facilities. The incident underscores ongoing security challenges in resource-rich but volatile regions of Balochistan.
