CHAGHI: A deadly attack by unidentified armed assailants destroyed a mining site operated by National Resources Limited (NRF)in the Darigwan area of Chaghi, Balochistan leaving at least 10 people dead and several others injured.
According to a statement issued by the company, the incident occurred on April 22, 2026, at around 5:45 PM. The attackers reportedly set fire to heavy machinery, including drilling equipment, causing extensive damage to the site.
Official and hospital sources confirmed that those killed included seven workers, three Frontier Corps (FC) personnel, and one foreign national identified as Umar from Turkey.
Hospital sources said the deceased belonged to different districts, including Rahmatullah and Ikram Khan from Dalbandin, Muhammad Asif (a geologist from Gilgit), Shafiq Sajid (geologist), Ali Sher from Khairpur (Sindh), Sher Zaman from Karak (Khyber Pakhtunkhwa), Sultan from Bela (Balochistan), Sajjad from Chitral and Vikram Gloram from Sindh.
Reports indicate that more than 40 attackers, traveling on motorcycles and vehicles, entered the site from multiple directions in a coordinated manner. They used small arms and rockets during the attack. A blast in a fuel tank reportedly caused several individuals to be burned to death.
Five injured individuals were shifted to hospital, with two said to be in critical condition and later transferred to Quetta for further treatment.
Some unverified reports suggested that certain employees may have been taken hostage; however, this has not been officially confirmed.
The company stated that it is in contact with law enforcement agencies and emphasized that the safety of its employees remains a top priority.
National Resources Limited is a private Pakistani company established through a partnership between Fatima Fertilizer, Liberty Mills, and Lucky Cement. It holds a license for gold and copper exploration in Balochistan.
Reports from Dalbandin indicated that at least three Frontier Corps (FC) personnel were killed and five others injured during the violence.
No group has claimed responsibility for the attack so far.
Chaghi is a key mineral-rich district of Balochistan, known for its significant copper and gold reserves.
