A convoy of vehicles carrying minerals from the Saindak project was attacked on the Quetta-Taftan highway in Balochistan’s Mastung district on Sunday, local sources told The Balochistan Post.
The attack took place in the Kardegap area, where nine trailers carrying minerals from the Saindak project were travelling under security escort on the highway, also known as the RCD highway.
According to sources, a large number of armed men targeted the mineral-carrying trailers as well as three vehicles of the forces providing security to the convoy.
Sources said several trailers were badly damaged in the attack, while forces also suffered casualties and material losses. Authorities have not yet issued an official statement on the incident.
A local source told TBP that the attackers had taken positions in advance and used automatic weapons and rocket launchers during the assault.
The source said heavy gunfire and explosions were heard in the area for an extended period.
No group has so far claimed responsibility for the attack.
The incident comes amid a series of attacks on mineral-carrying vehicles and security convoys on the Quetta-Taftan route in recent weeks.
Last month, Baloch Liberation Army spokesperson Jeeyand Baloch said the group had established what it called “complete control” over the Quetta-Taftan main highway, adding that the route had become part of the area under BLA control.
“We will no longer, under any circumstances, allow trucks, trailers or any convoys carrying looted Baloch resources and minerals to pass through here,” the statement said.
Since then, dozens of mineral-carrying vehicles have reportedly been damaged in attacks, after which a transporters’ association announced a halt to mineral loading. The suspension is still continuing.
The latest attack in Kardegap also comes as companies linked to major mining projects in Balochistan have been reviewing security arrangements amid growing concern over the safety of mineral transport and project-linked movement.
Recently, Barrick Gold held a meeting on security matters and said it was concerned about the security of the Reko Diq project, adding that further investment would be difficult if security-related issues were not resolved.