In Pakistan, at least six police officers were killed and over a dozen injured in an attack by Taliban militants on a checkpoint in restive southwestern Balochistan province.

The Pakistani Taliban claimed responsibility for the attack which took place in the mountainous Lal Khattai area of Ziarat district early this morning.

Ziarat district deputy commissioner Qadir Bakhtakani said the militants started the operation early today and exchange of fire continued for a while.