The New Nation - Internet Edition

AP, Quetta

The Pakistani military says six troops and an unknown number of militants have died in fighting in the southwest.

A spokesman said the clashes began Saturday when militants attacked a convoy near Dera Bugti in Pakistan's Baluchistan province. The spokesman said troops sent to the area destroyed two militant camps before withdrawing early Monday. He said a number of militants were killed, but didn't know how many. The spokesman cannot be identified by name under the military's rules.

Ethnic Baluch groups are fighting for greater autonomy and control of the province's natural gas and other resources.