The Pakistani authorities announced the death of 9 police officers in an attack carried out by armed men on a security checkpoint that was securing the site of a dam construction in the Balochistan province in the southwest of the country today (Tuesday).

According to local officials, the attack targeted a security point tasked with protecting the Manghi Dam project, one of the infrastructure projects in a region that has been experiencing ongoing security disturbances.

A local official in the attack area, Abdul Quddus, told the French Press Agency that nine police officers were killed, while several others remain missing after the attack.

The Balochistan provincial government confirmed the death toll but did not provide details regarding the identity of the attackers or the group behind the operation, nor has any group claimed responsibility so far.

Balochistan, the largest province in Pakistan by area, is one of the most troubled regions in the country, as separatist and armed groups operate there, launching repeated attacks against security forces, government facilities, and infrastructure projects.

Attacks in the province have escalated in recent years, especially those targeting development and investment-related projects, including infrastructure and energy projects.

The Pakistani authorities continue to carry out security operations in Balochistan to pursue armed groups, while emphasizing that the protection of strategic projects is a priority for the government due to their economic and developmental importance.