1 soldier killed, 2 injured in attack in southwestern Pakistan

By Aamir Latif

KARACHI, Pakistan (AA) - A Pakistan army soldier was killed and two others were injured in an attack on a security checkpoint in southwestern Balochistan province on Sunday, the military said.

The attack, second over the past 24 hours, took place in the remote Mach town located some 65 kilometers (40 miles) from provincial capital Quetta, the army's media wing, Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), said in a statement.

On Saturday, at least four troops were killed and two others injured in an ambush by suspected Baloch separatists in Harnai town situated 168 kilometers (104 miles) from Quetta.

Outlawed Balochistan Liberation Army had claimed responsibility for Saturday's attack.

On Friday, six suspected militants, including two top commanders, were also killed in a security operation in Kharan district, some 281 kilometers (174 miles) from Quetta, according to ISPR.

“Pakistan Army remains committed to defeating such cowardly acts by externally sponsored terrorist elements,” the army statement said, adding the “terrorists” will not be allowed to sabotage the hard-earned peace in the country.

The mineral-rich Balochistan has seen a surge in violence in recent months, with Baloch separatists and the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan, a conglomerate of several militant groups in Pakistan, targeting both security forces and civilians.