A security operation by the paramilitary Frontier Corps (FC) has killed at least 12 militants in southwestern Balochistan province of Pakistan on Friday, said officials.
The spokesman of the Frontier Corps, Khan Wasey, said in a statement that security forces launched an operation against miscreants in Dasht area adding, "12 terrorists have been killed in armed clashes." The operation led to a fierce battle between armed militants and security forces in Dasht area of Turbat, a town in Balochistan's volatile Kech district. Khan further said that both sides were using heavy weapons in the fire exchange.
Numbers of militants were reported injured in the mountainous region during the exchange of fire. "Forces timely reacted and protected the local population from terrorists," Khan said, adding that more FC contingents were called in Dasht to bring the situation under control.
Turbat is one of the most sensitive areas of the troubled Balochistan province that has been facing militants' insurgency for over a decade. Militants in the province have been targeting security forces, vital national installations and pro-government politicians.