Armed terrorists belonging to the India-backed banned Balochistan Liberation Army launched a deadly attack on the site of a private company operating in Balochistan’s mineral sector, martyring nine people and injuring six others, according to officials and hospital sources.
The attack took place on Thursday evening in the Darigwan area of Chagai District, where the company, identified as National Resources Limited (NRL), is engaged in exploration activities.
Hospital sources confirmed that the martyred included engineers, geologists, and laborers belonging to different parts of Pakistan, as well as a foreign national.
The deceased were identified as:
• Umar, a Turkish national
• Rahmatullah from Dalbandin
• Ikram Khan from Dalbandin
• Muhammad Asif, a geologist from Gilgit
• Shafiq Sajid, a geologist
• Ali Sher from Khairpur, Sindh
• Sher Zaman from Karak, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa
• Sultan from Bela, Balochistan
• Sajjad from Chitral
Sources said six other individuals sustained injuries in the assault and were shifted to nearby medical facilities for treatment.
Soon after the attack was reported, security forces launched an immediate response operation, secured the site, and initiated search and clearance activities to ensure the safety of personnel and installations in the area.
Officials said the operation was aimed at eliminating any remaining terrorist presence and preventing further attacks on the project site.
In a statement issued by the company, NRL said the safety and security of its employees and operations remained its top priority.
According to information available on the company’s website, NRL holds an exploration license for gold and copper reserves spread across 500 square kilometers in Balochistan.
The latest attack underscores the continued targeting of economic and development projects in Balochistan by terrorist groups seeking to undermine stability and disrupt investment in the province’s strategic mineral sector.
In a separate development, security forces successfully thwarted an attempt by the terrorists of Fitna-al-Hindustan (FAH) to establish an illegal roadblock along the N-40 highway near Dalbandin following a swift and coordinated response based on credible intelligence.
According to official sources, personnel from the Frontier Corps, police, and other local security units were deployed after reports of suspicious armed activity in the area. Upon arrival, the forces encountered armed assailants, triggering a heavy exchange of fire.
During the ensuing operation, seven FAH terrorists were eliminated. In the line of duty, three security personnel embraced martyrdom while confronting the threat.
Authorities said the terrorists were attempting to disrupt traffic along the N-40, a critical transportation artery, posing a serious risk to civilian movement and regional stability. The timely intervention by security forces restored control of the area.
The site has since been secured and a comprehensive clearance operation remains underway to eliminate any remaining threats.
In another operation in Balochistan, security forces conducted a targeted intelligence-based operation in the Kolwah area of Awaran District, resulting in the neutralization of three BLA operatives.
Security sources said the operation was launched after credible intelligence regarding the presence of armed terrorists in the area. Upon reaching the designated location, security personnel came under fire, triggering an intense exchange.
During the engagement, three terrorists were neutralized at the scene. Officials stated that the operation was executed with precision and formed part of sustained efforts to dismantle terrorist networks operating in Balochistan.
Security authorities reiterated their resolve to ensure peace and stability in the province, emphasizing that intelligence-led operations will continue against all elements involved in acts of violence and insurgency.
