Islamabad [ Pakistan], Oct 25 : At least 51 people, mostly cadets, were killed and 97 others were injured as three terrorists stormed a police training college in Quetta Monday night, prompting an operation by military and Frontier Corps forces to clear the premises which houses at least 600 police cadets.

While sharing details of the operation earlier during a press conference, Inspector General Frontier Corps (FC) Major General Sher Afgan, said that the actual number of casualties cannot be confirmed but more than 20 people have been killed in the attack and 65 injured, reports the Dawn.

According to the IG FC, the terrorists were communicating with their handlers in Afghanistan.

"There were three terrorists and all of them were wearing suicide vests," Afgan said.

"Two suicide attackers blew themselves up, which resulted in casualties, while the third one was shot dead by our troops," he added.

IG FC said that the operation took us four hours to clear the area completely as it had to be conducted with precision.

"No recruit sustained critical wounds; however, some military personnel who conducted the operation received critical wounds," he said.

Confirming the death toll, Balochistan Home Minister Mir Sarfaraz Ahmed Bugti said that the clearance operation has been successfully completed.

There was an intermittent exchange of fire between the attackers and the security forces for several hours, with reports of a hostage situation.

At least three terrorists have reportedly been killed, with security forces claiming the operation to be concluded.

The cadets were rescued from the college following an operation carried out by Special Services Group (SSG) commandos.

At least 600 cadets were living in the training center.

Gunfire and explosions were heard from inside the centre, as the terrorists were said to be carrying AK-47s and grenades.

Aerial surveillance of the area was provided by the two army helicopters.

Injured were being treated at the Civil Hospital, of which five had sustained bullet wounds and three were said to be in critical condition. (ANI)