Pakistan: Ten army soldiers killed in checkpoint firing

Ten Pakistan Army soldiers were killed in a checkpoint firefight earlier this week, an army statement said Thursday, in an attack claimed by separatists in Balochistan.

The soldiers were slain "during intense exchange of fire" while defending against a raid on a post in the Kech district of Balochistan overnight from Tuesday into Wednesday, the army said.

One assailant was killed and several others were injured by troops, the statement said, adding a "clearance operation" underway to "hunt down perpetrators" had captured three gunmen.

In a statement to AFP, the Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA) claimed responsibility for the assault.

A spokesman for Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan said he felt "deep sorrow" over the incident.