QUETTA: At least five alleged assailants were killed during an exchange of fire with security forces in Balochistan's Turbat area on Sunday night, police said.

A police officer who requested anonymity, since he was not authorised to speak to the media, told Dawn.com that armed militants attacked the convoy of Frontier Corps (FC) in Chah-e-Sar area of Turbat.

He said the FC personnel quickly retaliated and five gunmen were killed on the spot. The officer stated that the FC recovered weapons from the possession of militants.

The dead bodies were shifted to Turbat hospital.

"The dead bodies are yet to be identified," he added.

He however said that there were no reports of fatalities on the part of the FC.

The FC personnel were on routine patrolling when they were attacked by the militants, he added.

More personnel were called in the area to conduct a search operation. No arrest was made till filing of this report.

The police claim could not be verified by independent sources. There has been no claim of responsibility for the attack.

Turbat is considered to be one of the most sensitive towns of Balochistan where militants have been targeting security forces and pro-government personalities.