Three Chinese Engineers Killed In Drone Strike At Tajik Gold Mine Near Afghan Border

Dushanbe: A drone attack killed three Chinese engineers in Tajikistan's south-western Khatlon province on Thursday night. The attack took place at the workers camp of LLC Shohin SM gold mining site, just a few kilometers from the Afghanistan border. The drone was loaded with grenades and explosives, which fell near the Istiklol border guard post. Tajikistan's Foreign Ministry termed it a "cross-border terror attack from Afghanistan". 

When and how did the attack happen?

In the dark of night, drones attacked the camp, killing three Chinese staff who were working on a gold extraction project. The ministry said that this is the work of criminal groups associated with Afghan territory. The Jalilu gold mine in Khatlon province is Tajikistan's largest Chinese-Tajik joint venture. The attack took place near Istiklol post, where border security is tight. 

What questions are being raised on border security?

The Foreign Ministry said that Tajikistan is making continuous efforts for border security, but dangerous activities of Afghan criminal groups continue. He appealed to the Afghan government to maintain stability and peace on the border. The attack took place in the mountainous area on the 1,350 km border of Tajikistan and Afghanistan. Last week, Tajikistan conducted a drone strike on Afghan drug smugglers. Will this increase cross-border tension?

What is China's reaction? 

The Chinese Foreign Ministry strongly condemned it. Strongly condemning the attack, he said that the Chinese should ensure the safety of citizens. Tajikistan promised to investigate. The attack is part of the BRI Gold Mining Project. Questions are being raised on China's investment in the Sahel region. Is there a link with Taliban controlled Afghanistan? China has put pressure on Tajikistan to increase security aid.

How is the situation on the Afghan border? 

The attack took place ahead of the Collective Security Treaty Organization (CSTO) meeting, which will be attended by Russia, China, and Tajikistan. The Taliban denies a cross-border attack by Afghan criminal groups. Is this the new target of ISIS-K?

In terms of regional security, this attack could be a sign of cross-border instability and recurrence of terrorist activities, which could increase security concerns of neighboring countries. At the economic and investment level, the safety of foreign investors, worker safety, and feasibility of cross-border projects in mining and natural resources may now come under question.