QUETTA, Dec 4: Several mortars fired from across the Iranian border landed and exploded in the Mashkel area of Washuk district of Balochistan.

Official sources confirmed the shelling and said the Iranian forces suddenly fired mortars from their border area.

“At least six mortars fired from the Iranian border area at brief intervals exploded in an open area of Mashkel town,” official sources said.

However, no loss of life and property was reported.

Provincial Minister Mujeeb-ur-Rehman Mohammad Hasni, who was elected from Washuk, quoted local people as saying that Iranian forces also fired bullet rounds.

He expressed deep concern over violation of the border by Iran and firing of rockets and mortars. “It is the third incident of firing of mortars and rockets in the Mashkel area in two weeks,” Mr Hasni said. The federal government should lodge a strong protest with the Iranian authorities, he added.—Staff Correspondent