QUETTA: Security forces killed a militant and arrested seven others in Pishin district of Pakistan’s restive Balochistan province on Tuesday, an intelligence official said.

The operation was conducted in Barshore area of Pishin bordering Afghanistan.

An intelligence official, on condition of anonymity since he was not authorised to speak to the media, told Dawn.com that security forces conducted the operation against the militants upon intelligence of their presence in the area.

He said a militant was killed during exchange of fire that did not last for too long. “The forces effectively conducted operation and arrested seven terrorists alive,” he said.

Armored vehicles and other heavy weapons were used during the operation, added.

All detained militants were shifted to an undisclosed location for interrogation. “They belong to a banned religious organisation,” he said, without disclosing the name of the outfit.

The forces recovered huge quantity of fire arms and ammunition from the possession of militants. “The militants were preparing to carry out subversive activities in Balochistan,” he said.

There was no human loss on the part of security forces.

The area is considered to be a transit route for militants operating both in Pakistan and Afghanistan.

Government of Balochistan has already tightened security in Quetta and all districts of the province during the holy month of Muharram. Armed forces, frontier corps and police have already been placed on high alert to thwart any terror attempt.