Officials say Pakistani security forces killed 22 alleged Baluch militants this week after they launched attacks in retaliation for Pakistani air strikes on militant positions in Iran last month. Four members of security forces and two civilians died when insurgents launched rocket attacks before dawn on January 30 on security facilities in Balochistan's Mach district. The outlawed Balochistan Liberation Army claimed responsibility for the coordinated attacks. The situation in Mach was under control after the killing of the 22 alleged militants, said local government spokesman Jan Achakzai. Baluch armed separatists have been active in Balochistan for decades, occasionally attacking security forces. To read the original story by RFE/RL's Radio Mashaal, click here.
Pakistani Forces Kill 22 Alleged Militants In Southwest
A man looks at charred shops and a vehicle torched by armed separatist group Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA) in the central Bolan district of Balochistan Province on January 30.