Civilian, soldiers, militants killed in garrison attack in Pakistan

By Aamir Latif

KARACHI, Pakistan (AA) – Eight people, including a civilian, soldiers and militants, were killed in a suspected militant attack on a military garrison in southwestern Pakistan, near Afghanistan border, on Wednesday, officials said.

According to the Pakistani military's media wing, Inter Services Public Relations, four troops and three militants were killed, and five soldiers were critically injured after a group of heavily-armed suspected militants stormed the garrison in the southwestern Balochistan province.

Deputy Commissioner Zhob Azeem Kakar told Dawn News that a civilian woman was also killed after she was caught in the crossfire. Another five civilians were also injured, he added.

Five suspected militants launched a "dastardly" attack on the garrison in the Zhob district, which borders neighboring Afghanistan and Iran, in early hours of Wednesday, the military said.

"Initial attempt of terrorists to sneak into the facility was checked by soldiers on duty," it added.

In ensuing heavy exchange of fire, the militants have been contained into a small area at the boundary and at least three "heavily-armed" terrorists have been killed so far, the statement further said.

A clearance operation by the security forces is underway to apprehend remaining two terrorists, it added.

No group has so far claimed responsibility for the attack.