Five militants killed, 23 hostages rescued in Balochistan operation, officials say

Pakistani security forces killed five militants and rescued 23 hostages during an operation near Kalat in Balochistan, according to officials. Authorities said armed men had established an illegal checkpoint where civilians were stopped and some were taken hostage. Officials reported that six trucks, three buses and two cars were recovered, along with weapons and explosives. They said no security personnel or hostages were killed during the operation. Pakistani authorities linked the assailants to banned Baloch separatist groups. The provincial and federal governments praised the operation and said security actions against militant groups in Balochistan would continue.