QUETTA: Six suspected militants, two suicide bombers among them, were killed and several others injured during a clash with security forces in Sanjavi area of Ziarat district on Friday.

Officials said the militants killed during the operation belonged to a banned organisation involved in attacks on security forces, kidnapping for ransom and targeting people in Loralai and Ziarat districts.

They said Frontier Corps personnel cordoned off Sanjavi on a tip-off about the presence of suspected militants in the area. About 450 FC troops took part in the operation.

The armed militants hiding in nearby mountains opened fire at the troops, who took positions and returned fire. The heavy fighting continued for several hours.

“Six armed militants of a banned organisation were killed in the gunbattle,” an FC spokesman said, adding that two of the suspects blew themselves up when they came under siege. The bombers had tried to blow themselves up near security personnel but failed to do so, he added.

An FC solider was injured in the clash. He was taken to the Combined Military Hospital in Loralai.

Security forces seized a large quantity of arms and ammunition and suicide jackets. Several militants were arrested and handed over to the authorities concerned.

According to sources, the operation was launched following the killing of five policemen, including two senior officers, in an armed attack in Makhtair area of Loralai.

FC Balochistan Inspector General Maj General Sher Afgun said the operation would continue against terrorists involved in attacking security forces and innocent people.

Published in Dawn, April 4th, 2015

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