Pakistan, Sept. 20 -- Five terrorists killed, 23 hostages rescued near Kalat after security forces stopped an attempt to disrupt public movement on the N-25 highway. The militants had set up a checkpoint to target travellers, seize vehicles and collect money through extortion. They also planned to abduct passengers using the highway, according to the military's media wing.

Security forces quickly responded to the militant activity and launched an operation near Kalat. Troops killed five terrorists and rescued 23 hostages during the action. They also recovered a large quantity of weapons, ammunition and explosives from the militants' hideout.

The forces recovered six trucks, three buses and two cars from the site after the operation. The...