Security forces conducted an intelligence-based operation (IBO) at a terrorist hideout in Balochistan's Turbat tehsil on Tuesday, recovering 18 hostages, most of whom are foreigners.

According to a press release issued by Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), at least 18 hostages — including two Pakistanis and 16 foreigners (Nigerian and Yemeni nationals) were recovered during the operation conducted by Frontier Corps (FC) Balochistan in Turbat's Tump area.

Two suspected militants were arrested during the operation conducted under Operation Raddul Fasaad.

It wasn't immediately clear how long the foreigners and Pakistanis had been kept hostage by the militants.

A large quantity of arms and ammunition including improvised explosive devices (IED) were recovered from the hideout.

The FC also conducted another IBO in Panodi village located 25km southeast of Balnigur in Makran Division in which two militants belonging to a proscribed organisation were killed.

During the exchange of fire with the militants, Sepoy Nasir Mehmood was martyred while two other soldiers sustained injuries.

The militants were involved in different terrorist activities including attacks on security forces.

Also on Tuesday, a security personnel was martyred and three others were injured in an exchange of fire with suspected terrorists in Turbat's Buleda area.

According to security sources, two suspects were also killed in that incident.

Balochistan has experienced incidents of violence and targeted killings for over a decade. In recent months, the province has faced a number of security challenges, with security personnel in the province often being targeted in roadside explosions and suicide attacks.