QUETTA: At least five militants were killed and eight arrested during a search operation by security forces in Balochistan's Kech district on Saturday morning, a security official claimed.

The official, who requested anonymity since he was not authorised to speak to the media, told Dawn.com that security forces launched a search operation in the Pidrak area of Turbat in Kech. He said there was an exchange of fire between militants and security forces.

"The forces quickly responded and killed five militants during the exchange of fire,” he added.

The official stated that eight suspects were also picked up from Pidrak and were being interrogated by security personnel.

He said the forces also recovered arms and ammunition from the militants.

The bodies were yet to be identified.

However, the official claimed that the militants who were killed were involved in a series of attacks against security forces in the area.

Balochistan has seen an upswing in violence recently, suffering from a separatist insurgency, sectarian violence and Taliban militants.

Hundreds of people have died since rebels rose up in 2004 demanding political autonomy and a greater share of profits from the region's natural oil, gas and mineral resources.