KARACHI: Three suspected terrorists were killed in a shootout with Rangers in the Manghopir area of Karachi on Wednesday, said a spokesman for the paramilitary force.

The spokesman said Rangers personnel started a search operation in Manghopir on reports about the presence of some terrorists. The raid turned into an exchange of gunfire.

“The armed men in the hideouts attacked the Rangers team when they were taking positions following a tip-off about the presence of terrorists in the area; more forces were called in to join the operation and after an exchange of gunfire three terrorists were killed. They all belonged to a banned outfit.”" said the spokesman.

He claimed that the suspects, who are yet to be identified, were involved in a missile attack on Razmak Cadet College besides taking part in the murder of at least 50 army men and 12 police officers.

The ‘operation’ against criminal elements in Pakistan’s commercial hub was initiated back in September 2013 after the federal cabinet empowered Rangers to lead a targeted advance with the support of police against criminals already identified by federal military and civilian agencies for their alleged involvement in targeted killings, kidnappings for ransom, extortion and terrorism in Karachi.

A high-level apex committee meeting chaired by the Chief of Army Staff Gen Raheel Sharif on May 14, 2015 had decided to implement effective policing and surveillance in the "vast suburbs of Karachi", to prevent what the military spokesperson said were "sneaking terrorist attacks".