DUKI: Militants allegedly linked to the Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA) attacked a road construction company’s camp in Nana Sahib Ziarat, Duki district, abducting 18 workers and killing a security guard, according to local sources.
Another security guard was seriously wounded in the exchange of fire, the sources said.
The abducted workers were labourers employed at the road construction project and were not involved in combat, according to information from people familiar with the incident.
Following the attack, security forces launched an operation in the area to locate the abducted workers and track down the attackers. Security was also tightened around the construction site and nearby areas.
The reported mass abduction has raised concerns over the safety of workers involved in infrastructure projects in Balochistan, where militant groups have repeatedly targeted security personnel, development projects and people perceived to be supporting the state.
The BLA, a separatist militant group, has carried out attacks across Balochistan against security forces, infrastructure and other targets. The group has also opposed state-backed development projects in the province.
The reported attack has drawn condemnation, with calls for the abducted workers to be recovered safely and for those responsible to be brought to justice.
Authorities have begun investigating the incident, including how the attackers were able to enter the construction camp and abduct such a large number of workers.
Officials had not immediately provided further details about the identities of the abducted workers or the militants involved.
The incident underscores the security challenges facing workers involved in road construction and other development projects in remote parts of Balochistan, where insecurity has repeatedly disrupted economic and infrastructure activity.
