Five terrorists were killed in an intelligence-based operation by the Counter Terrorism Department (CTD) in the Dasht area of Mastung, on the outskirts of Quetta, officials said on Monday.

According to a CTD spokesperson, the operation was launched after receiving credible information about the presence of militants in the area. A heavy exchange of fire took place between security forces and the suspects during the raid.

The spokesperson said seven other terrorists managed to escape, taking advantage of darkness and the nearby mountainous terrain.

Security personnel recovered five Kalashnikov rifles, seven hand grenades and three motorcycles from the hideout of the killed militants. The CTD said a search operation has been launched to track down the fleeing suspects.

The bodies of the deceased militants were shifted to Civil Hospital Quetta for identification.

The CTD spokesperson added that the terrorists were involved in attempts to block the Quetta–Sibi highway and in attacks targeting security forces and civilians.

Security agencies remain active in the area to maintain law and order and prevent any further incidents.