At least 13 militants have been killed in two different search operations by Pakistani security forces in the restive Baluchistan province in last 24 hours, a minister said today.
Baluchistan Home Minister, Mir Sarfaraz Bugti told reporters in Quetta that the insurgents were killed in two separate operations yesterday night and today morning in the Dera Bugti district.
Bugti said seven militants were killed yesterday by Frontier Corp troops while six more were killed today morning in the Dera Jun and Rustom gasfields in Dera Bugti.
"On Wednesday operations were carried out in Pirkoh areas of Dera Bugti and seven militants were killed in armed clashes with the security forces," he said.
The militants were involved in targeting security forces and blowing up gas installations in the district, a spokesman said earlier today.
Rocket launchers, improvised explosive devices, bombs and other weapons were recovered from the militants, who belonged to a defunct militant group operating in the area, he added.
Dera Bugti district of Baluchistan province is rich in minerals and resources but has been hit by violence from separatist groups since the death of tribal leader, Nawab Akbar Khan Bugti in a military operation in the area in August, 2007 during the tenure of former military ruler, Pervez Musharraf.
Bugti said that insurgents belonged to the Baluchistan Republican Army (BRA).
