QUETTA: Security forces on Saturday claimed to have killed 34 suspected militants, including a key commander in Balochistan’s Kalat district.

One security official was killed while two others sustained injuries during the exchange of fire.

“A key militant commander, Abdul Nabi Bangulzai, was also among the dead,” said Home Minister Sarfaraz Bugti in a press conference.

The operation was launched by personnel of security forces and intelligence agencies, against elements involved in target killings and bombings in the Johan area of Kalat, added Bugti.

“Abdul Nabi was involved in the assassination of Balochistan High Court Justice Nawaz Marri in 2000,” stated the home minister.

Security forces also recovered a large amount of arms and ammunition from the militants, and Bugti added that those killed were also involved in attacking passengers in the Mastung area of the province.

The home minister, elaborated during the press conference that security forces have intensified their operations on the basis of intelligence received.

Read: 15 suspected militants killed in Balochistan's Kalat district

“There is no tolerance for terrorists,” said Bugti.

All the dead militants belonged to a proscribed outfit, which was active in the area and was involved in multiple terror attacks.

Militants have conducted attacks against security forces and national installations in Balochistan, which has been plagued by an insurgency and growing sectarian killings for more than a decade.