ALBAWABA - The Pakistani military reported that at least five soldiers have been killed, in addition to 3 militants in a blast in southwestern Balochistan province on Saturday.
The blast targeted the Kech district of the turbulent province, where military troops were stationed. An explosive device was placed on a security forces vehicle.
"Terrorists exploded an Improvised Explosive Device on a security forces' vehicle, which was followed by an intense fire exchange," the military said in a statement.
The explosion prompted intense fire exchange and clashes between militants and soldiers stationed in the area. "During the operation, five brave soldiers, having fought gallantly, sacrificed their lives and embraced Shahadat (martyrdom)," the military statement added.
No group has claimed responsibility for Saturday's attack, but ethnic Baloch separatists have been waging an insurgency for years in the region, which is also riven by religious and sectarian violence, AFP reported.
