Eight militants were killed and three security personnel injured during a counter-terrorism operation in the Darakshan area of Quetta, officials said on Wednesday.

According to a spokesperson for the Counter-Terrorism Department (CTD), the operation was launched after receiving credible information about the presence of militants.

Sensing danger, militants opened fire on security forces, prompting a retaliatory response.

The injured personnel were immediately shifted to a nearby hospital for medical treatment.

The CTD said a large cache of weapons and ammunition was recovered from the slain militants.

Preliminary reports indicate that the militants belonged to a proscribed organisation, though investigations are ongoing.

Security forces have cordoned off the area and launched a search operation to apprehend any militants or accomplices.