New Delhi, Nov. 14 -- The violence erupted Wednesday in Balato, in the Siguiri region, during a patrol against illegal and unregulated gold mining, according to a government statement dated Thursday.

Protesters erected barricades blocking the patrol before the situation escalated into clashes and exchanges of gunfire, the statement said. It did not specify who opened fire.

Five foreign nationals whose identities have yet to be established were among those killed, according to the provisional toll. The injured included civilians and members of the security forces.

Two pickup trucks and a security forces truck were burned, while a firearm and a motorcycle were taken by protesters, the government said.

Judicial authorities have been task...