QUETTA: Five suspected militants were killed and several others injured when fighting broke out during search operations conducted by security forces in different areas of Kech, Gwadar, Barkhan and Sibi districts on Saturday.

One security man was also killed in the clashes.

Security forces arrested 19 suspects belonging to different organisations and destroyed two camps of the militants.

Security officials said the Frontier Corps had started a search operation in Shadi Kor area of Gwadar district on information about the presence of armed militants there.

The militants opened fire on the FC personnel, triggering a heavy exchange of fire which continued for several hours.

“Four militants, including two leaders of the banned Baloch Liberation Front, have been killed and four others injured in the gunbattle,” a Frontier Corps spokesman said in a statement.

The militant leaders killed were identified as Mullah Badal and Ezat.

Our correspondent adds from Gwadar: Several suspects were taken into custody and arms and ammunition seized.

The FC personnel conducted a search operation in Tump area of Kech district and arrested nine suspected militants.

“The arrested militants belong to the banned BLF,” official sources said.

The FC troops also picked up two men for their alleged involvement in the recent targeted killing of people belonging to Sindh and a bomb attack on an FC camp near Gwadar.

The FC spokesman said another search operation was conducted in Anari area of Barkhan district and during heavy fighting militant leader Bijar Khan was killed.

Published in Dawn, July 5th, 2015

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