Pakistani security officials were searching for militants suspected of hiding near two military sites stormed by extremists on Wednesday, killing seven troops and 13 civilians in the latest unrest in the southern Balochistan region.

The assaults, the most serious in recent years by ethnic Baloch extremists, occurred only hours before Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan landed in Beijing for the start of the Winter Olympics, where he will meet with Chinese President Xi Jinping and other officials.

Two Pakistani security officials, who requested anonymity because they were not authorized to talk publicly, stated that the operation was not yet complete.

“The army is carrying out search and rescue operations in the region.” “There may be some additional pieces hiding in the surrounds,” a Reuters official speculated.

According to the army, the strikes were simultaneous and organized.

“They utilized explosive-laden trucks at gates, they had the newest equipment left behind by NATO soldiers,” Sheikh Rasheed Ahmad, Minister of Interior, stated on Friday, adding that the attack had been thwarted and that both locations were now under Pakistani military control.

For decades, ethnic Baloch rebels have fought the government, wanting an independent state, claiming that the central government unfairly exploits Balochistan’s vast gas and mineral resources.

“The army is conducting search and rescue operations in the area.” “Some further bits may be hidden in the environs,” a Reuters official guessed.

According to the army, the strikes were coordinated and synchronized.

“They used explosive-laden vehicles at the gates, and they had the most recent equipment left behind by NATO personnel,” Sheikh Rasheed Ahmad, Minister of Interior, said on Friday, adding that the attempt had been foiled and that both places were now under Pakistani military control.

For decades, ethnic Baloch insurgents have resisted the government, saying that the central government unfairly exploited Balochistan’s huge gas and mineral resources.