QUETTA: Three people were killed in an exchange of fire with security forces in Balochistan province's Panjgur area, DawnNews quoted sources as saying.

Sources said the action was ongoing since Friday, adding that during the search conducted in the area, security forces surrounded a compound from where armed men started shooting.

The exchange of fire lasted for several hours during which the armed men also attempted to escape.

Three of the men were killed in retaliatory fire from security forces personnel who recovered two Klashnikovs, a pistol and other ammunition from the compound.

It was not clear whether there were any other men present at the compound or if security forces took any men into custody.

Balochistan has been under the grip of sectarian violence and attacks by Baloch separatists and unknown elements for over a decade, with scores of people having lost their lives in sectarian bombings and target killings.