5 soldiers killed in explosion in southwestern Pakistan

ISLAMABAD

At least five Pakistani soldiers, including a young officer, were killed when an improvised explosive device (IED) blast in southwestern Balochistan province, the military said on Tuesday.

The explosion took place in Sher Bandi area of Kech district, Balochistan province on Monday, the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) said in a statement.

Following the attack, security forces launched a clearance operation in the area, during which five terrorists were also killed.

"Sanitization operation" continues to eliminate any remaining terrorists, the statement added.

Pakistan is battling militancy in Balochistan, which borders Iran and Afghanistan.​​​​​​​