'Three die' in Balochistan clash

At least three people are said to have died in Pakistan's Balochistan province during clashes between security forces and suspected tribal militants.

An official in Dera Bugti district said the violence broke out when a group of armed tribesmen tried to take over a security post.

A soldier and two militants were killed as soldiers returned fire.

Gas-rich Balochistan has seen months of violence as tribal groups push for greater political and economic rights.

The clashes came as around 1,500 tribes-people were being resettled in the area under a government-sponsored programme.

They are among several thousand tribes-people who were forced to leave several years ago during tribal feuding.

Armed reinforcements have been sent in to protect the returnees.

Violence

Balochistan has witnessed a wave of violence between armed tribal rebels and Pakistani security forces.

Government forces launched military operations in the Kohlu and Dera Bugti districts of Balochistan in December after rockets were fired near President Musharraf when he visited the province.

According to local tribal leaders, a large number of civilians died in the military operation, but this has not been confirmed by officials.