At least nine terrorists were killed during a major Counter Terrorism Department (CTD) operation in Quetta’s Panjpai and Nohsar areas, while four CTD personnel embraced martyrdom and six others were injured in intense gun battles, officials said on Saturday.

According to a CTD spokesperson, the militants belonged to Fitna al-Khawarij and Fitna al-Hindustan and had infiltrated from Afghanistan before taking shelter in the outskirts of Quetta.

The operation was launched after intelligence reports about the presence of terrorists in the area. Officials said the militants opened heavy fire as soon as CTD teams moved in, triggering a fierce exchange of gunfire.

Security forces killed nine terrorists during the operation.

However, four CTD personnel were martyred while fighting bravely, and six others sustained injuries.

Authorities said a large cache of weapons and ammunition was recovered from the killed militants.

The bodies of the martyred personnel and injured officials were shifted to the hospital, while the bodies of the terrorists were being moved to Civil Hospital for legal formalities and identification.

Security agencies said the area had largely been cleared, and a search operation was continuing to trace possible facilitators and fleeing suspects.

Funeral prayers for the martyred CTD personnel were later offered in Nohsar and Panjpai.

The funerals were attended by provincial assembly member Zarak Mandokhail, Balochistan government spokesperson on the home department Babar Yousafzai, DIG CTD, DIG Quetta Imran Shaukat, Commandant Police Training Centre Dr Farhan Zahid, DIG Special Branch Alauddin Kasi, SSP Operations Asif Khan and other senior officials, along with family members of the martyrs.

Special prayers were offered for the departed personnel, while officials expressed solidarity and condolences with the bereaved families.

Participants at the funeral said the sacrifices of the martyrs would always be remembered and described them as a source of pride for the nation.