Quetta, Sep 4 (IANS): At least 6 terrorists were killed and 5 security personnel were injured in a counter terrorism operation in Quetta on Wednesday morning. One of those killed was a woman.

According to the Counter Terrorism Department (CTD), the slain terrorists belonged to the Islamic State group.

"The counter terrorism police and intelligence agencies launched a raid on a terrorist hideout in Eastern Bypass area of the city after they received reports regarding the presence of the terrorists in the area. One of the suicide bombers blew himself up during the encounter by detonating his explosive vest. Six terrorists were killed which also included a woman who was wearing a suicide jacket," said a CTD spokesman.

He added that the exchange of gunfire resulted in five security personnel being injured.

Authorities said they seized weapons and ammunition after the operation from the compound.

The raid came as Pakistan stepped up security across the country ahead of the annual commemoration of Ashoura, the holiest day on the Shiite Muslim calendar that mourns the 7th century death of Imam Hussein, the grandson of Islam's Prophet Muhammad.