5 soldiers, 13 insurgents killed in Pak

At least five soldiers and 13 militants have been killed in a fierce gun-battle between armed tribesmen and security forces in southwest Pak.

At least five soldiers and 13 militants were killed in a fierce gun-battle between armed tribesmen and security forces in southwest Pakistan, a top security official has said.

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The paramilitary Frontier Corps (FC) personnel were killed after fighting erupted between militants and security forces in Dera Bugti district of Balochistan province late last night, Maj-Gen Saleem Nawaz said.

The clash took place after the security forces launched a search operation following an attack by militants on the FC personnel who were patrolling in the Toba Nokhani locality, he said.

Security forces later destroyed the militants' camp.

Officials said five other security personnel and 12 militants were also injured in the gunfight.

Tribesmen are fighting for political rights and more share in the province's natural resources.