They were reportedly killed during an intelligence-based operation (IBO).

“During the conduct of operation, intense fire exchange took place between own troops and terrorists, as a result of which two terrorists were sent to hell, including terrorist ring leader Ayubullah Mansoor,” Pakistan Army media wing Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) said as quoted by Dawn News.

According to reports, weapons, ammunition and explosives were also recovered from them.

The incident occurred at a time when Pakistan is gearing up to vote on February 8 in the national polls.