QUETTA: Security forces on Monday apprehended fourteen suspected militants, including a key commander, from the Eastern Bypass area of Quetta, the capital of Balochistan province.

An intelligence officer told Dawn that security forces conducted a raid in Quetta's Eastern Bypass area and apprehended fourteen militants — including a key commander.

“Forces acted on an intelligence tip-off,” the intelligence officer added.

The militants were moved to an undisclosed location for interrogation, he said, adding that they belong to a banned militant outfit.

Take a look: Polio workers boycott campaign in Balochistan as 4 workers gunned down

The officer also claimed that the mastermind of the Nov 26 attack on polio workers in Quetta was among the militants apprehended during the operation.

On Nov 26, gunmen on motorcycles had killed four polio workers in Eastern Bypass. The proscribed militant group Jundullah had claimed responsibility for the attack.

Security forces also recovered arms and ammunition from the possession of the militants.

Security forces have launched a crackdown against militants in Quetta and other parts of Balochistan in the aftermath of the Peshawar school carnage.