15 soldiers killed in Balochistan: Officials
Around two dozen gunmen attacked two FC posts in Margut area, says senior military official.
QUETTA:
Baloch rebels attacked security forces overnight, killing at least 15 soldiers and wounding another 12 in clashes that raged for five hours, officials said Wednesday.
About two dozen gunmen attacked two posts in Margut, about 60 kilometres east of Quetta, capital of the insurgency-torn southwestern province of Balochistan. The soldiers were responsible for guarding coal mines, they said.
“About two dozen gunmen armed with light and heavy weapons attacked the Frontier Corps (paramilitary) posts and killed 15 soldiers,” a senior military official said.
He said another 12 soldiers were wounded in the assault.
Other security officials confirmed the casualties.
The assailants belonged to a Baloch militant group led by Harbiar Marri who is living in self exile in London, the official said.
Baloch rebels have been fighting since 2004 for political autonomy and a greater share of profits from Balochistan's wealth of natural oil, gas and mineral resources.
Baloch rebels attacked security forces overnight, killing at least 15 soldiers and wounding another 12 in clashes that raged for five hours, officials said Wednesday.
About two dozen gunmen attacked two posts in Margut, about 60 kilometres east of Quetta, capital of the insurgency-torn southwestern province of Balochistan. The soldiers were responsible for guarding coal mines, they said.
“About two dozen gunmen armed with light and heavy weapons attacked the Frontier Corps (paramilitary) posts and killed 15 soldiers,” a senior military official said.
He said another 12 soldiers were wounded in the assault.
Other security officials confirmed the casualties.
The assailants belonged to a Baloch militant group led by Harbiar Marri who is living in self exile in London, the official said.
Baloch rebels have been fighting since 2004 for political autonomy and a greater share of profits from Balochistan's wealth of natural oil, gas and mineral resources.