Eighteen militants and three civilians were killed in an explosion and subsequent security operation in Balochistan, southwestern Pakistan, according to the Pakistan military. The Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) said an improvised explosive device inside a vehicle detonated accidentally while militants were preparing it in the Surab area.
The blast also triggered explosions involving other devices reportedly stored at the site, killing three civilians who were nearby and injuring several militants. Security and police forces quickly reached the location and launched an operation to clear the area and pursue militants who fled after the explosion.
The military said 10 additional militants were killed in an exchange of fire, bringing the total number of militants killed to 18. Two soldiers were injured during the operation, while clearance efforts remain underway to locate and eliminate any remaining militant hideouts in the area.
