QUETTA, Jan 1: Two alleged highwaymen were killed in an exchange of fire with security forces in Khad-Kocha area of Mastung district on Saturday. Four other suspects were arrested.

Mastung DC Noorul Haq Baloch said that a gang of robbers was looting passengers of buses in Khad-Kocha when personnel of Levies Force and local tribesmen reached the spot and challenged them.

He said the highwaymen opened fire which was returned, adding that in the gunbattle that continued for six hours two alleged robbers identified as Mir Khan and Abdul Qayyum were killed.

He said four other suspects were arrested and identified them as Abdul Rauf, Mohammad Tariq, Abdul Aziz and Fida Hussain.

The bodies were taken to Mastung civil hospital.

Police registered a case and started investigation.

Kalat Commissioner Mir Iqbal Ahmed Khosa appreciated the tribesmen for taking part in the action against criminals.He announced that cash awards and performance certificates would be given to Levies personnel.

BLAST: A bank branch in the town of Zehri was damaged and windowpanes of nearby buildings were smashed when a bomb exploded on Saturday night.Official sources said that unidentified people planted an explosive device by the wall of the UBL branch which went off with a big bang.

TANKER ATTACKED: A tanker carrying fuel for Nato forces in Afghanistan was blown up in Chaman on Friday. Official sources said the tanker was parked near the border waiting for permission to cross into Afghanistan when the bomb placed under it exploded.

The tanker was blown up and caught fire.