At least five militants were today killed and eight arrested during an encounter with security forces in southwest Pakistan's Balochistan province.
Local media reports said security forces launched a search operation in the Pidrak area of Turbat in Kech. There was an exchange of fire between militants and security forces, an unnamed official told the Dawn daily.
"The forces quickly responded and killed five militants during the exchange of fire," he added.
Eight suspects were also picked up from Pidrak and were being interrogated by security personnel, the official said.
He said the forces also recovered arms and ammunition from the militants.
The bodies were yet to be identified, the daily reported.
Balochistan has seen an upswing in violence recently, suffering from a separatist insurgency, sectarian violence and Taliban militants.
Hundreds of people have died since rebels rose up in 2004 demanding political autonomy and a greater share of profits from the region's natural oil, gas and mineral resources.
