QUETTA: Security forces have killed 27 terrorists in an intelligencebased operation in the Kachhi area of Balochistan, military`s media wing said on Monday.

In a statement, InterServices Public Relations (ISPR) said that security forces carried out the operation on the intelligence reports about the presence of armed terrorists in the area. It said the security forces stealthily cordoned off the area, effectively engaged the terrorists` location and 27 terrorists were killed in an intense exchange of fire.The ISPR further claimed that multiple hideouts, including caches of arms, ammunition and explosives, were also destroyed during the operation.

`The killed terrorists were involved in numerous terrorist activities against the security forces as well as innocent civilians and were highly wanted by the law enforcement agencies,` the military`s media wing said, adding that security forces of Pakistan with the support of the nation remain determined to thwart attempts at sabotaging peace, stability and progress of Balochistan.

The security forces conducted an operation in Kachhi district in the wake of last week incidents in Zehri and Kolpur. In Zehri tehsil, a large number of armed men had attacked government offices after taking the control of main bazaar and overpowering some security personnel. During their stay in the area, they burnt Levies Force station, offices of the municipal committee and Nadra, besides looting a bank.

The terrorists also blocked the Quetta-Sibi highway and attacked a Levies post in the Dasht area of Mastung and snatched weapons from Levies officials.