QUETTA: Security forces arrested seven suspected militants during two search operations in Balochistan's Zhob and Kalat districts on Wednesday, officials said.

Four suspects belonging to the outlawed Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) group were arrested after a raid in Gawal Ismailzai area of Zhob, said Khan Wasey, spokesman for the Frontier Corps (FC), adding that weapons were also recovered from their possession.

Wasay alleged the weapons were being smuggled into interior Balochistan for use in subversive activities.

Gwal Ismailzai is considered a sensitive area in northern Balochistan where TTP has carried out operations in the past.

In another operation, the FC picked up three suspected militants from Mangochar area of Kalat district, Wasey said, adding that weapons and explosives were also confiscated.

Balochistan has been experiencing incident violence and targeted killings since more than a decade. More than 1,400 incidents targeting the minority Shia and Hazara community have taken place in the province during the past 15 years.

The largest province of the country by area is home to a low-level insurgency by ethnic Baloch separatists. Al Qaeda-linked and sectarian militants also operate in the region.

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