18 Soldiers, Killed in Fighting with Rebels in Pakistan

At least 18 Pakistani soldiers and 12 separatist rebels were killed in a fierce confrontation in Balochistan on Saturday.

Pakistani forces clashed with militants who had set up roadblocks in the region, which is located in the northwest of the country and borders Afghanistan.

The Pakistani military reported that its troops engaged with rebels who had erected barricades on a major highway in the Kalat area of Balochistan.

The conflict, which lasted overnight, led to significant casualties on both sides.

Following the skirmish, the military successfully removed the roadblocks. The military confirmed the deaths of 18 soldiers and vowed to bring those responsible for the attack to justice.

The Baloch National Army, a separatist group, claimed responsibility for the assault. This group often targets security forces, civilians, and foreign nationals, particularly Chinese workers involved in major infrastructure projects in Pakistan.

In November, a suicide bombing by the same group in a train station in Quetta resulted in 26 deaths, including soldiers and railway employees.