Two soldiers among five killed in SW Pakistan

At least two soldiers and three militants were killed in a clash between security forces and insurgents in Pakistan's southwest Balochistan province on Wednesday, local media and officials said.

Anwar-ul-Haq, spokesperson of Balochistan government, said in a statement that the killed militants included a commander of banned outfit Balochistan Liberation Army who was involved in terrorist activities in Pakistan and Afghanistan.

Local Urdu news channel Dunya TV said that several militants were also injured in the clashes which were triggered off by a search operation in Sibi district of Balochistan.

The security forces also recovered arms and ammunitions from the custody of the militants.

The bodies of the slain security personnel were shifted to the provincial capital of Quetta from where they will be handed over to their relatives.

The security forces have intensified their operation in Balochsitan after the announcement of the Nation Action Plan to fight militancy in the province and other parts of the country. Endit