ISLAMABAD, Jan. 20 (Xinhua) -- i security forces have arrested eight militants during a search operation in the country's east Punjab Province, local media reported Saturday.

The operation was conducted in the provincial capital of Lahore and Dera Ghazi Khan districts, Samaa News said.

Paramilitary troops Rangers carried out the operation by acting on an intelligence tip-off regarding the presence of the militants in the area.

The arrested suspects included two unregistered foreigners, said the report.

Rangers also recovered arms and ammunition from the possession of the arrested suspects.

The operation is the continuation of the ongoing operation Radd-ul-Fasaad which started in February last year in various parts of the country.

The joint operation by the army and other law enforcement agencies aims at eradication of the hidden sleeper cells of militants in the country.