ISLAMABAD, Sept. 1 (Xinhua) -- At least 21 militants, six security personnel and a customs official were killed in separate incidents in Pakistan's southwestern Balochistan province, the military said Tuesday.
The incidents occurred in Chagai and Pishin districts during the night of Monday to Tuesday, the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), the media wing of the Pakistani military, said in a statement.
In one of the incidents, militants attempted to disrupt traffic along the N-40 Quetta-Taftan Highway by establishing an illegal checkpoint for extortion, the statement said.
Security forces responded and killed 11 militants following an intense exchange of fire, while a large quantity of weapons, ammunition and explosives was recovered, the statement added.
In another incident during the night, militants launched a coordinated attack in an attempt to breach the Customs House at Ziarat Cross in Pishin, according to the statement.
Security forces responded effectively and killed 10 militants following an intense exchange of fire, the ISPR said.
The military said the attack on the Customs House was part of a "terror-crime nexus" aimed at preventing customs officials from performing their lawful duties and facilitating criminal activities in the area.
Six security personnel and a customs official were killed during the exchange of fire, according to the statement. ■