TEHRAN, Oct. 11 (Xinhua) -- Iran's Foreign Ministry on Friday condemned a series of deadly attacks on coal miners in Pakistan's southwestern Balochistan province, labeling them as "terrorist" acts.

In a statement, ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baghaei expressed Iran's "strongest condemnation" of the violence, extending condolences to the Pakistani government and people.

Baghaei reiterated Iran's opposition to all forms of terrorism and violent extremism, calling for greater regional and international cooperation to combat what he termed the "evil phenomenon" of terrorism.

Baghaei also prayed for the victims and wished a swift recovery for the injured.

At least 20 laborers were killed and six others injured in a series of attacks on coal mines in Pakistan's southwestern Balochistan province early Friday, officials said.

The attacks took place in the Duki district, where unidentified assailants targeted at least 10 coal mines with hand grenades, district official Haji Khairullah Nasir told reporters. The attackers also set fire to the mines and extraction equipment.

Police said some of the miners were shot after being rounded up by the attackers.

No group has yet claimed responsibility for the assaults. Enditem

Related

Go to Forum >>0 Comment(s)