QUETTA: Security forces claimed to have foiled a major terrorist attack in Balochistan's resource rich district, Dera Bugti on Wednesday, an official said.

A security official who declined to be named, because he was not authorised to speak to the media, told Dawn.com that security forces defused three kilograms of explosives material planted on the roadside in Bogi area of Dera Bugti district.

He said six suspected militants were also arrested by security forces in the area in connection with planting the explosives.

"They all have been shifted to an undisclosed location for interrogation," he said.

The security official said the explosion could have caused serious causalities.

Militants have been targeting security forces and vital national installations including gas pipelines in Dera Bugti for more than a decade.

The district is considered to be one of the most sensitive and troubled districts of Balochistan.