QUETTA: One suspected militant was killed and 19 others were arrested during a search operadon conducted by security forces in Kohlu district on Saturday.

According to official sources, the Frontier Corps(FC) personnel, acting on a tip-off about the presence of suspected militants in the Jannat Ali area, launched the searchoperadon.

During the operation a gun battle ensued, resulting in the death of one suspect and arrest of 19 others.

`One militant was killedin the heavy exchange of fire,` an FC spokesman said, adding that four submachine guns, two rifles and six motorcycles were recovered f rom the hideout.

The suspects were handed over to the authorities concerned for interrogation,` said the FC spokesman.