Islamabad, July 07 (QNA) - Nine Pakistani police officers were killed on Tuesday after armed militants attacked a security checkpoint in the Ziarat district of Balochistan province in southwestern Pakistan.

Security sources reported that violent clashes and heavy exchanges of gunfire broke out between Pakistani police personnel and the militants after the checkpoint was stormed, resulting in casualties among the security forces.

Authorities have launched an investigation to identify those responsible for the attack, while security operations are continuing to clear the area and prevent further violence.

Pakistani authorities continue to carry out security operations in Balochistan province to pursue the militants, while emphasizing that protecting strategic projects remains a top government priority due to their economic and developmental significance. (QNA)