Security forces and intelligence agencies in a joint operation late Friday night killed at least eight operatives of the banned Balochistan Liberation Front (BLF), including its chief, in Mastung area.
BLF head Abdul Manan was killed during the operation last night, Balochistan Home Minister Sarfraz Bugti confirmed the report while addressing a news conference on Saturday.
According to details, eight insurgents were killed in the operation which continued for many hours. The operation was conducted on a tip-off regarding the presence of Abdul Manan and Ashraf Baloch in Kali Datu area. The militants opened fire at the security personnel, and as the attack was repulsed eight terrorists were killed. A huge cache of weapons and sensitive documents was also confiscated during the raid.
Manan had become the head of the militant group after the killing of Dr Allah Nazar last year.
The home minister said the operation was conducted in Mastung following an ambush from militants. He further said that the operation launched against criminal elements and militants was bringing positive outcomes.