QUETTA: At least 10 suspected militants were killed on Sunday in a heavy exchange of fire with security forces in the Gandyari area of Dera Bugti district.

It was the second major clash between security forces and militants in the area in four days.

Balochistan Home Minister Sarfaraz Ahmed Bugti had claimed on Thursday that 30 militants of the banned Baloch Republican Army (BRA) were killed by security forces.

Official sources said that Frontier Corps had launched a search operation in the Punjab-Balochistan border area after receiving information about presence of militants’ hideouts.

When the troops cordoned off the area in the morning and carried out the search, they came under attack. The FC personnel returned fire and in the ensuing gunbattle at least 10 militants were killed, Khan Wasey, a spokesman for the Frontier Corps, Balochistan, said.

He said the militants killed in the clash belonged to the BRA and were involved in attacks on gas pipelines and passenger trains in the area.

“Three hideouts of militants have been destroyed and security forces have found explosives, landmines and improvised explosive devices,” Mr Wasey said.

Meanwhile, Inspector General of the Frontier Corps, Balochistan, Major General Mohammad Ejaz Shahid said that in accordance with the orders of the provincial government, the targeted operation against militants and criminals would continue.

Published in Dawn, June 9th, 2014