Pakistani troops fought separatist insurgents who set up roadblocks in the restive northwestern region of Balochistan, leaving 18 paramilitary security forces and 23 rebels dead in some of the heaviest clashes in recent years,

At least 18 soldiers of Pakistan's Frontier Corps (FC) have died during an operation in Mangocher, a city located in the Kalat district of Balochistan province, the country's military authorities confirmed on Saturday.

The incident occurred in the Mangochar area of Kalat district of the province on the night of January 31 and February 1 when terrorists attempted to establish roadblocks, according to a statement issued by the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR),

Security forces launched a counteroffensive in Kalat district, killing 23 Baloch Liberation Army fighters in response to coordinated attacks.

Fresh clashes in Balochistan province of Pakistan led to the death of at least 18 paramilitary soldiers and 23 militants. The attack, carried out by 70-80 Baloch militants, reportedly targeted a vehicle carrying unarmed troops near Kalat.