KARACHI: Five terrorists were killed in an exchange of fire with police personnel after their hideout in the metropolis? Sachal area was raided on Thursday, said SSP Malir Rao Anwar. 

According to SSP Malir, police and intelligence officials laid siege around the terrorists? hideout on a tip-off.During the operation, the terrorists opened fire on the security personnel, whereas some explosions were also heard in the area. All five of the terrorists were killed in retaliatory fire, SSP Malir claimed.

The terrorists were hiding in an under-construction house in the Sachal area.

"The terrorists killed were affiliated with Daesh and al Qaeda. They were planning attacks during Ashura," said Anwar. 

"We had them under surveillance for the past few days, but had to conduct the operation on an emergency basis as they could have moved soon," added the SSP.

Giving details of the terrorists, Anwar said one of the individuals was an expert in engineering and had made a remote-controlled car which was to be used to attack targets selected by the terror cell. 

Anwar further said the cell was involved in attacks on the Shia community and law enforcement personnel. 

The deceased had been plotting terrorist activity during Ashura, he added. 

Arms and ammunition, including explosives and RPG rockets, were from the slain terrorists.