QUETTA: Security forces claim to have killed 12 suspected militants in Balochistan's volatile Mekran belt on Saturday, an official said.

Khan Wasey, the spokesman for Frontier Corps (FC), a paramilitary force, said security forces launched an operation against militants operating in the Gomazi area of Turbat. He said 12 suspected militants were killed in the operation whereas one FC soldier was also killed during exchange of fire.

"Huge quantity of arms and ammunition has been recovered from the possession of militants", Wasey said. However, FC's claim could not be verified by independent sources.

The FC Spokesman stated that the militants were involved in attacks on security forces, pro-government personalities and vital national installations. A Levies official who requested anonymity told Dawn that several people were injured during the exchange of fire that continued for more than three hours.

Panic prevailed in the area in the aftermath of fierce battle between security forces and militants in Gomazi area of Turbat. More troops were called into the area to bring the situation under control.

Turbat is considered to be one of the sensitive areas of Balochistan. The area is under the grip of violence for last more than a decade.