ISLAMABAD, Feb 18, (Xinhua): Eight terrorists were killed during an intelligence-based operation conducted by the Counter-Terrorism Department (CTD) in Pakistan's southwestern Balochistan province, the department said on Wednesday. The operation was launched on the reported presence of militants in the area, during which an exchange of fire took place, resulting in the killing of eight terrorists, the CTD said in a statement.

During the confrontation, three CTD personnel were injured and shifted to a nearby hospital for treatment, the statement said. Authorities said a large cache of weapons and ammunition was recovered from the scene.

Security forces cordoned off the area and carried out a search operation to ensure the situation was under control, the statement added. Initial reports suggested that the slain militants were affiliated with a banned organization. However, investigations are ongoing to ascertain their identities and possible network, the CTD said.