QUETTA: Security forces killed 12 armed attackers following a terrorist attack on a convoy of vehicles from the Reko Diq copper and gold project, in the Chagai area on Monday.

Security officials said a group of armed men attacked the convoy as it was travelling to Quetta from the project site.

According to sources, unidentified attackers tried to intercept the convoy and opened heavy fire on it.

“Around three dozen empty vehicles of the Reko Diq project were travelling to Quetta under security protection when they were attacked in the Nokacha area of Chagai,” an official said on condition of anonymity.

He said that soon after the attack, security personnel escorting the convoy took positions and returned fire. A heavy exchange of fire continued for more than two hours, during which two security personnel were injured.

Officials initially said that 11 terrorists had been killed at the scene, adding that arms and ammunition, including heavy weapons, were recovered from the attackers. However, Balochistan Chief Minister Mir Sarfraz Bugti later said 12 terrorists had been killed in the exchange of fire.

Officials from the Reko Diq project did not respond to a request for comment.

CM Bugti said intelligence-based targeted operations against terrorists were continuing successfully and consistently across the province.

“There will be no negotiations with those who take up arms against the state and shed the blood of innocent citizens,” he wrote on X, adding that elements choosing the path of terrorism and violence would be dealt with according to the law.

He said the state would not compromise on its writ or the protection of the lives and property of the people.

CM Bugti said security forces and law enforcement agencies were conducting effective and coordinated operations to establish peace and stability in Balochistan. Indiscriminate action would be taken against terrorists and their facilitators, and every attempt to undermine peace in the province would be foiled, he added.

Published in Dawn, September 1st, 2026