Eighteen terrorists were killed in separate incidents in Balochistan’s Surab district on Wednesday after an explosives-laden vehicle detonated during preparations for a terrorist attack, followed by a security operation against fleeing militants, according to the military’s media wing.

The Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) said the blast occurred on August 12 when militants affiliated with Fitna al Hindustan were loading explosives into a vehicle.

Eight terrorists were killed and several others injured in the explosion, the ISPR said.

It added that further explosions occurred after other explosives stored at the site detonated, killing three civilians from the surrounding area.

Following the incident, security forces and Balochistan Police launched a joint clearance operation to track down the fleeing militants and their facilitators.

The ISPR said security forces detected the movement of the fleeing militants and killed 10 of them in an effective operation.

The latest action brought the total number of militants killed in the incidents to 18, it said.

Two Pakistan Army personnel were also injured during an intense exchange of fire, according to the statement.

A sanitisation operation was underway to eliminate any remaining militants and secure the area, the ISPR said.

It added that security forces and law enforcement agencies were continuing counterterrorism operations under the government’s Azm-e-Istehkam vision, approved by the federal Apex Committee under the National Action Plan.