QUETTA, March 3: Police on Friday foiled an attempt to kidnap an Iranian trader from Turbat, after an armed encounter in which two suspects were killed while two others were arrested.

According to sources, four men had kidnapped the trader, Mohammad Qasim, at gunpoint from Turbat and were trying to take him across the border.

After receiving information about the kidnapping, Turbat police pursued them along with personnel of the Anti-Terrorist Force and were subsequently fired upon by kidnappers.

Personnel of the security forces retaliated and the exchange of fire continued for more than half an hour, resulting in the killing of two gunmen while two of others were injured.

Police recovered the Iranian trader.