Explosive device kills 5 Pakistani soldiers in country’s southwest

2024-12-24 20:36:59 source: category:Markets

ISLAMABAD (AP) — An explosive device has killed five Pakistani soldiers in the country’s southwest, the army said. It’s the fifth deadly attack on police and troops this year already, and comes weeks before the country holds parliamentary elections.

The troops died during an operation on Saturday in Kech District, Baluchistan province, when suspected militants detonated the improvised device on the security forces’ vehicle.

The ensuing gunfight killed three “terrorists,” the army said. A clean-up operation was carried out to eliminate any other militants found in the area, it added.

The soldiers were aged between 23 and 25. Nobody immediately claimed responsibility for the attack.

Other news Pakistan effectively shuts the key crossing into Afghanistan to truck drivers Pakistan says the IMF executive board approved release of $700 million of $3B bailout Magnitude 6.4 earthquake shakes parts of Pakistan and Afghanistan but no damage is reported

Pakistan’s security forces remain determined to thwart attempts at sabotaging the peace, stability and progress of Baluchistan, the army said.

The chief minister of Baluchistan, Mir Ali Mardan Khan Domki, expressed his regret about the soldiers’ deaths.

Some senators are calling for a delay to the elections, scheduled for Feb. 8, citing security challenges.

Baluchistan, which borders Afghanistan and Iran, has been the scene of an insurgency by nationalists for more than two decades. They initially wanted a share of the province’s resources, but later initiated an insurgency for independence.

Separately, in Pakistan’s northwestern Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, the army said security forces killed four suspected militants in operations on Saturday.

Weapons, ammunition and explosives were recovered from the slain men.

The army alleged they were involved in terrorist activities against security forces, as well as extortion and targeted killings of civilians.

More:Markets

Recommend

Brianna LaPaglia Addresses Zach Bryan's Deafening Silence After Emotional Abuse Allegations

Brianna LaPaglia has more to say about her split from Zach Bryan.The Barstool Sports personality, al

State of emergency in NY as Debby pummels Northeast with rain: Updates

After battering the southeastern U.S., remnants of Debby barreled through the Mid-Atlantic on Friday

Why the fastest-growing place for young kids in the US is in the metro with the oldest residents

THE VILLAGES, Fla. (AP) — As one of the world’s largest retirement communities, The Villages in cent