Clashes Leave Four Security Men Dead In Pakistan

Islamabad, Jan 22, IRNA - Four security men died in clashes with armed men in Pakistanˈs southwestern Balochistan province on Wednesday, police said. Police said that 10 more security men were also injured in Mastung district a day after terrorists targeted two buses of Shiite pilgrims in the same area. Police said the armed men tried to kidnap a Spanish tourist who had entered Pakistan from Iran. The tourist was also injured during firing between the forces and the gunmen, officials said. More security personnel were sent to Mastung, some 60 kilometers from Quetta, the provincial capital. Clashes continued between the two sides for few hours, officials said. It was not clear as to which group involved in the clashes with the security forces. Police and doctors said death toll from the Tuesdayˈs attack on pilgrims bus reached 25 as more injured died in hospitals. Shiite groups started a protest sit-in in Quetta on Wednesday against the attack. They have called for a general strike in the city on Wednesday. No decision has yet been taken about the burial of the slain people. Several women were also among the victims. The banned Lashkar-e-Jhangvi group claimed responsibility for the bus attack./end