Two killed, six injured in Quetta IED blast

At least two people were killed and six others injured in an explosion on Saturday in the outskirts of Quetta, the capital of Balochistan, following an attack on coal mines in the Hanna Orak area, according to Aaj News.

Initial reports identified the deceased as a tribal leader and his brother. The incident occurred after around 200 armed men launched an assault on local coal mines. The assailants reportedly set fire to the mining sites and equipment.

Following the attack, coal mine owners rushed to the location, leading to a brief exchange of fire between them and the armed group. As the attackers retreated, they reportedly planted improvised explosive devices (IEDs) in the area.

One of the IEDs exploded while the coal mine owners and their associates were pursuing the fleeing attackers, resulting in the deaths of the tribal leader and his brother and injuring six others.

The attack coincided with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s visit to Quetta, where he was attending a Grand Jirga. Authorities have not yet issued an official statement regarding the incident, and no group has claimed responsibility.