Three militants killed in Pakistan clash

QUETTA, Pakistan, Aug 8 (Reuters) Pakistani security forces killed three separatist militants today after they were fired on while surveying a flood-hit area in southwestern Baluchistan province, officials said.

Two paramilitary soldiers, including a senior officer, were also wounded in the gun battle in the Mand area, close to Pakistan's border with Iran.

Rebels have waged a low-key insurgency for decades for autonomy and a greater share of profits from resources in Pakistan's biggest and gas-rich province.

Flash floods in recent weeks have wreaked havoc in Baluchistan and neighbouring Sindh province, affecting more than 2.2 million people in 6,400 villages.

Thousands of homes have been destroyed and at least 280 people have been killed by floods in the two provinces.

Suspected Baluch militants frequently attack security forces, gas pipelines, electricity infrastructure and transport links in the province that borders Iran and Afghanistan.

President Pervez Musharraf has promised to develop Baluchistan.

He has also offered amnesty for rebels who surrender, while vowing tough action against those refuse.

REUTERS GT KN1933