Pakistan:Two soldiers killed in clash with militants

At least two soldiers and suspected militants were killed in s gun battle in Pakistan's Chilas town of Gilgit-Baltistan region on Thursday.

The area has been cordoned off and search operation to hunt the militants has been launched.

According to Inter Services Public Relations (ISPR), the militants were involved in attacks on tourists, civil transport and security forces, reports Dawn.

The identity of the militants, their affiliation or any other details about the clash is unknown.

The exchange of fire comes days after the army chief General Raheel Sharif approved death sentences of 13 terrorists who have been convicted by military courts.

Apart from terrorism, the convicts were involved in killing of foreign tourists at Nanga Parbat, attack on Saidu Sharif Airport, destruction of schools, attacks on armed forces, law enforcement agencies and civilians.

In June 23, 2013, nine foreign tourists and one of their Pakistani guides were killed at the 4,200-meter base camp of Nanga Parbat.

The attack was claimed by Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan and later an army colonel, a captain and a senior superintendent of police (SSP), investigating the massacre was also later killed in Chilas.