ISLAMABAD, Feb. 17 (Xinhua) -- At least four suspected terrorists were killed in an overnight counter-terrorism operation in Pakistan's southern Sindh province, police said on Tuesday.

The raid was carried out in the Shah Latif Town area of the provincial capital Karachi by the Counter-Terrorism Department (CTD) of Sindh Police, acting on intelligence obtained from suspects arrested last month with explosive material, officials said.

According to police, the suspects opened fire when security personnel entered the house, triggering an exchange of gunfire. Four militants were killed during the operation, reportedly by firing from their own associates.

Deputy Inspector General of CTD Azfar Mahesar said one suspect died on the spot, while three others succumbed to injuries before reaching the hospital.

He said two CTD personnel were injured and shifted to the hospital, where they are said to be in stable condition.

Weapons and explosive materials, including five hand grenades, a sub-machine gun, detonators and electronic circuits, were recovered from the house.

Police said several accomplices managed to flee. A search operation was launched in the surrounding area under tight security. ■