16 Pakistani soldiers killed in ambush targeting a military convoy in Balochistan - Sarmad

Armed men ambushed a military convoy in Balochistan province in southwestern Pakistan, killing at least 16 soldiers, the German news agency dpa reported on Friday, citing intelligence sources.

Two sources said the convoy was traveling in the town of Ziarat near the provincial capital, Quetta, when it came under attack during the night.

One source said around 11 militants were killed in the ensuing firefight.

In a separate operation, Pakistani troops conducted an operation in the town of Kalat in Balochistan, resulting in the death of at least 12 militants.

The Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA), an armed nationalist group demanding the independence of Balochistan, claimed responsibility for the attack on the soldiers.

Armed groups, including the Pakistani Taliban and the Balochistan Liberation Army, regularly launch attacks on the army and police in the volatile province, which borders Afghanistan and Iran.