Violence in southwestern Pakistan kills 5 security men

At least five security personnel and a militant werekilled during an exchange of fire in southwestern Pakistani province Balochistan onTuesday, said officials.An official in a press statement said that armed robbers looted money from aprivate bank located in militancy-hit Mastung district of Balochistan and openedfire on police on retaliation. The militants shot two policemen dead that weredeployed outside the bank. The shooting turned into intense exchange of firebetween militants and security forces that resulted in killing of three leviespersonnel, said the official.The exchange of fire also injured four security personnel including senior officialAssistant Commissioner and the Deputy Superintendent of Police. Two robbers werealso arrested and a robber was killed during the exchange of fire, police officialsclaimed. Huge contingent of police and levies were called in the area to bring thesituation under control and launch a search operation to apprehend the robbers.Balochistan has been facing violence for last many years and a sharp rise in thenumber of bank robberies has taken place.