QUETTA: Security forces killed five suspected militants and recovered four kidnapped drivers in a gunbattle in Mastung district, about 70km from here, on Sunday.

Official sources said that Frontier Corps personnel moved into the mountainous region of Kirdgap in Kalat division on information about the presence there of those who had allegedly kidnapped four drivers and torched five oil tankers in the area a few days ago.

The tankers were carrying fuel for the Saindak copper project where a Chinese company has been working for several years.

An FC spokesman claimed that militants opened fire on paramilitary troops when they started combing the Kirdgap area for the kidnapped drivers. The troops retaliated and a heavy exchange of fire continued for hours.

“Five suspected militants were killed and six others injured in the gunbattle,” the spokesman said.

He said troops got the four drivers released and seized a huge quantity of weapons and ammunition.

All hideouts located in the area were destroyed, the spokesman said, adding that the deceased belonged to a banned militant organisation.

Security forces had killed four suspected militants in Mangocher area of Kalat division on Saturday.

The Inspector General of Frontier Corps, Maj Gen Sher Afgan, said such targeted operations against elements involved in attacks on security forces and national installations would continue.

Published in Dawn, March 30th, 2015

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