7 killed, 22 injured in Dera Bugti violence

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At least seven people were killed and another 22 were injured in two separate incidents of violence in Balochistan on Thursday.

The Baloch Republican Army claimed responsibility for both attacks.

According to police officials, unidentified armed men, believed to be Baloch insurgents, attacked a checkpost manned by peace militia in Gopat area of Dera Bugti. Three members of the peace force and one of the assailants were killed while 18 people from both sides received injuries.

The peace militia, comprising local Bugti tribesmen, was set up by the government against Bugti insurgents in Dera Bugti.

The exchange of fire continued for more than two hours until the peace force received reinforcement from neighbouring Sui town. Then the attackers fled with their injured companions.

In another incident, three members of the peace force were killed and another four were injured when their vehicle hit a landmine blast in the same area.

According to police officials, one of the four vehicles carrying members of the peace force for reinforcement for their men fighting alleged Baloch insurgents in Gopat, hit the landmine. As a result, three people were killed and another four were injured.

The local administration rushed to the scene soon after the incident and cordoned off the area. The injured were taken to hospital for treatment.

Sarbaz Baloch, the spokesman for the Baloch Republican Army claimed the responsibility for both the incidents, claiming none of the attackers was killed in cross firing.

Cases were registered against unknown people and investigations are underway.