ISLAMABAD: Pakistan's security forces killed two militants during an intelligence-based operation in the country’s southwestern Balochistan province, said an official statement of the military's public relations wing, ISPR, on Saturday.

It added the two militants were involved in various acts of violence against civilians and security forces, adding that a significant quantity of arms and ammunition were also recovered during the operation which was carried out in Kharan district.

Security forces also lost one of its soldiers during the exchange of fire with the militants, the statement continued.

Balochistan has witnessed a low-intensity insurgency by separatist factions who believe the province’s mineral resources have been exploited by other parts of Pakistan.

These groups have stepped up their activities in recent years after Pakistan and China joined hands to build an economic corridor which originates from Balochistan's Gwadar port city.

Pakistan has also been fencing its western border to control the security situation since it believes most of these militants have found sanctuary in its neighborhood and operate from there.