| Troops on Monday destroyed two hideouts in Balochistan that were being used by militants and outlaws, officials said. A large quantity of weapons, rockets, explosives and communication equipment were found at the secret hideouts, a paramilitary spokesman said. The arms cache was destroyed, he added. The operation was launched in Uch district, some 270 kilometres southeast of Quetta, after two soldiers were kidnapped by rebels, the official said on condition of anonymity. "Our men were kidnapped three days ago while patrolling and during a search operation we found two camps used by miscreants but when we raided them they had already fled," he said. "We have found a huge cache of arms, explosives, walkie talkies, and SIMs of Thuraya satellite phones from the camps," he added. The New York Times reported last week that US President Barack Obama and his top aides are considering expanding covert operations against Taliban leaders to Balochistan, in and around Quetta. |