Clash in Chagai kills 15

'12 most wanted criminal' were killed during the clash: Deputy Commissioner. PHOTO: FILE

QUETTA: At least 12 alleged criminals and three tribesmen were killed on Friday in a gun-battle between Levies Force and armed men in Chagai district, an area in Balochistan which shares border with Iran and Afghanistan.

“The exchange of fire lasted about 16 hours resulting in deaths of 15 people, including 12 criminals,” Deputy Commissioner Tufail Baloch said.

According to Levies Force officials, a group of armed men after killing a son of a local tribesman in Chagai on Thursday, fled to mountains in the Zardgan area of Chagai district and took position.

Levies Force personnel followed the attackers and surrounded the area where they had taken positions. The attackers opened indiscriminate fire at the Levies Force with sophisticated weapons. Around 12 accused were killed when Levies Force personnel retaliated with full force while three tribesmen who were assisting the Levies Force were also killed in the battle.

The deputy commissioner confirmed the incident and said that “12 most wanted criminals,” who were involved in different crimes including the murder of the local tribesman’s son, were killed during the fighting with the Levies Force. “Levies personnel also recovered weapons and vehicles from the criminals,” he added.

Sources said that the exchange of fire between the accused persons and Levies Force lasted for about 16 hours while heavy weapons were used in the incident. “The operation has ended and the situation is now completely under control,” DC Chagai added.

Sources added that the accused killed during the operation belonged to Panjgour, Chagai and Nushki districts, while two of their accomplices were also killed the other day.

The bodies were taken to a state-run hospital for an autopsy.