Pakistan: 3 militants, 1 soldier killed in shootout

Pakistani security forces killed three militants during a shootout on Saturday following a militant attack on a security patrol in the restive southwestern Balochistan province, the military said. In a brief statement, the military said there was an exchange of gunfire after militants opened fire on a security vehicle near Shahrig in the Loralai district. One soldier was also killed and two were wounded during the exchange.

Quetta: Pakistani security forces killed three militants during a shootout on Saturday following a militant attack on a security patrol in the restive southwestern Balochistan province, the military said. In a brief statement, the military said there was an exchange of gunfire after militants opened fire on a security vehicle near Shahrig in the Loralai district. One soldier was also killed and two were wounded during the exchange.

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No one immediately claimed responsibility for the attack, but Baloch separatist groups have often claimed such attacks in the recent past.

Balochistan has been the scene of frequent militant attacks and a long-running insurgency by groups seeking independence for the mineral and gas-rich province bordering Iran and Afghanistan. The Pakistani Taliban also have a presence there.

(AP)