Pakistan Troops Kill 21 in Balochistan Province

09/07/2006| IslamWeb

Pakistani security forces backed by helicopter gunships have killed at least 21 tribal militants in Balochistan province, officials say.

Another 12 rebels were injured in the operation and about 50 surrendered, Dera Bugti district official Abdul Samad told the BBC.

Last week, the authorities said they had killed about 30 rebels - claims the tribesmen denied.

Tribal militants want more control of the poor but gas-rich province.

'Energy hub'

Security forces stepped up their crackdown on militants following a failed assassination attempt on President Pervez Musharraf during a visit to the province in December.

Rebel tribesmen have been accused of attacking officials and government buildings as well as blowing up gas pipelines in the province, Pakistan's biggest and poorest.

The government is pumping millions of dollars into Balochistan with the aim of turning it into a regional economic and energy hub.

It has also been building military garrisons to secure the investments, which officials say will bring development to the people.

But many Baloch resent the growing presence of the armed forces - seen as imposing Islamabad's agenda - and support for the tribal rebels is growing, correspondents say.

PHOTO CAPTION

Pakistani paramilitary soldiers fix artillery in Malikhel village near Parachinar, the main town of the Kurrum region on the Afghan border, about 265 km (165 miles) from Islamabad June 20, 2006. (Reuters)