Eight suspected militants were killed in an intelligence-based operation carried out by the Counter-Terrorism Department in Pakistan’s southwestern Balochistan province, officials said on Wednesday.

According to a statement from the Counter-Terrorism Department, the operation was launched after authorities received reports of the presence of armed militants in the area.

An exchange of fire ensued during the raid, resulting in the deaths of eight suspected terrorists.

The statement said that three CTD personnel were injured in the confrontation and were shifted to a nearby hospital for medical treatment.

Authorities also recovered a large cache of weapons and ammunition from the scene.

The officials added that security forces later cordoned off the area and conducted a search operation to ensure the situation was fully under control.

Initial reports indicated that the slain militants were affiliated with a banned organisation, though investigations are ongoing to confirm their identities and determine the extent of their network, the CTD said. 

(Xinhua/NAN)