QUETTA: At least 22 terrorists were killed after a massive explosion ripped through an explosives facility linked to Fitna al-Hindustan (FAH) near Surab in Balochistan, security officials said on Wednesday.
A large cache of explosives stored at the facility detonated, causing extensive damage to the site and nearby buildings, according to the officials.
Five huts used by the terrorists were completely destroyed in the blast.
The explosion also caused walls of several houses to collapse in areas about 300 to 400 metres from the facility.
Several people living near the explosives facility were injured, the officials said.
The blast occurred at a site where FAH militants were preparing a vehicle-borne improvised explosive device (VBIED), according to security officials.
The number of terrorists killed initially stood at nine but later rose to 22 as the extent of the blast and casualties at the facility became clearer.
The blast also triggered a security operation in the surrounding area.
Security forces moved in to intercept terrorists who attempted to flee the area following the explosion.
Levies and security personnel were also deployed around the site, according to the officials.
The incident comes after social media accounts linked to FAH circulated claims that Pakistani fighter jets had bombed populated areas near Surab, causing civilian casualties and damage to homes.
Local and security authorities said the damage was caused by the massive explosion at the FAH explosives facility rather than an aerial strike.
The claims could not be independently verified.
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FAH has previously been accused by Pakistani authorities of carrying out attacks against civilians and development projects.
