QUETTA, April 27: A heavy exchange of fire was reported between security forces and tribesmen in Lop area, while a convoy of Frontier Corps escaped a powerful bomb explosion in Chamasha area in Dera Bugti on Thursday.

According to official sources, tribesmen opened indiscriminate fire at a security forces checkpoint in Lop area. The assailants also fired five rockets at two checkpoints in Chamasha and Sangsilla areas.

No casualty was reported in the exchange of fire.

Meanwhile, a powerful bomb planted on the roadside exploded as an FC convoy was passing in Chamasha area. No damage was reported.

Security forces defused four anti-tank mines planted at different places in Dera Bugti.

Jamhoori Watan Party chief Nawab Akbar Khan Bugti told newsmen over satellite telephone that at least four FC men were killed and five others injured in fighting with tribesmen. He claimed that three more FC men lost their lives and five suffered injuries when their vehicle hit a landmine in Chattar area.