Barkhan, June 8 -- Four Baloch fighters were killed in a fierce clash with a "state-backed" armed group in Balochistan's Barkhan district on Friday, reports The Balochistan Post.

The confrontation occurred in the Koh-e-Jandar area of Rakni tehsil and lasted several hours. Residents reported the use of heavy weapons on both sides during the exchange of fire.

The deceased have been identified as Mustafa Noor of Tasp, Panjgur; Samiullah from Malai Bazaar, Turbat; Rasaan Qadir of Dansar, Awaran; and Shahzaib from Guni, Greshag. Their bodies were later transferred to a hospital in Rakni.

As per The Balochistan Post, the opposing group involved in the clash is a "state-backed death squad," a term widely used by residents and activists for pr...