QUETTA, June 13: Security forces claimed killing five militants and injuring seven others in an operation launched in the mountains of Pir Koh and Loti areas of Dera Bugti district on Tuesday.

“Security forces launched operation against outlaws who were involved in attacking gas fields and installations in the area,” Raziq Bugti, a spokesman for provincial government told Dawn and confirmed that five militants had been killed.

However, Jamhoori Watan Party chief Nawab Akbar Khan Bugti denied any casualty and claimed that armed tribesmen destroyed two helicopters.

Official sources did not confirm loss of any helicopter when contacted.

Official sources said security forces after receiving information about the presence of a “ Farari Camp” between Loti and Sangsilla launched the operation around 7am which continued till 4.30pm. “During the eight-hour operation security forces used gunships,” sources said, adding that FC commandos took part in the operation.

They said that security forces had cleaned up the area of 4km destroying militants camp and hideouts that were established in caves.

“In the operation five militants were killed and 7 injured who were arrested by FC commandos,” sources said, adding that a huge quantity of illegal arms and ammunition had also been seized.

Meanwhile, chief of Bugti tribe, Nawab Akbar Khan Bugti talking to Dawn over satellite phone from unknown place confirmed that gunships and jet fighters were shelling the area.

Nawab Bugti added that armed tribesmen destroyed two helicopters.