QUETTA, Sept 17: Two security personnel were killed on Monday when a landmine exploded in Sibi’s Tali area, some 190km east of here. Sources said that Frontier Corps personnel were clearing landmines planted on the Sibi-Rakhni road when the explosion took place.

Those killed were identified as Imam Din and Ejaz Khan. Their bodies were sent to their native towns.Soon after the explosion, militants opened fire from nearby mountains. They also used rockets. Four FC personnel guarding the men clearing the mines suffered serious injuries.

Security forces deployed in the area rushed to the site and started firing on militants’ positions. After an exchange of fire for about half an hour, the militants escaped.

The injured were taken to the Civil Military Hospital in Sibi.

No group has claimed responsibility for the attack.

Sources said a heavy contingent of security forces had cordoned off the hilly area and were looking for the assailants.