QUETTA: Frontier Constabulary (FC) claim to have killed ten armed militants in Balochistan's volatile Kech (Turbat) district on Saturday morning. Security forces launched a search operation in the troubled area after the militants attacked their convoy.

An FC official, who requested not to be named, said ten armed militants were killed and several others injured in a fierce battle in Mand area of Kech (Turbat) district.

He said two important commanders of a banned separatist group were also among the injured militants. "Since morning, severe battle is underway," he said.

He however did not confirm whether the injured militants were under the custody of security forces or not.

Both sides were using heavy weapons and more troops were dispatched to the restive Mand area to restore order.

FC Spokesman said forces had launched a search operation in the area following the attack on their convoy. "Forces did not suffer any human loss," he said.

The dead militants were yet to be identified since the search operation was still underway.

The situation turned tense and panic prevailed in the area after armed clashes.

Kech is the hometown of Balochistan Chief Minister, Dr. Abdul Malik Baloch. Armed militants have targeted security forces and pro-government politicians for over seven years.

Balochistan, Pakistan’s resource-rich and largest province by area, suffers from a recent upsurge in sectarian violence and attacks by separatist militants.