Pakistan’s security forces killed 22 militants during an intelligence-based operation in Khyber district, according to the Inter-Services Public Relations.

The operation was launched after reports of militant presence in the area. Security forces, along with law enforcement agencies, carried out the mission and faced heavy resistance during a long exchange of fire.

According to officials, all 22 militants were killed during the operation. However, in the crossfire, a 10-year-old child also lost their life after militants opened indiscriminate fire.

Weapons and ammunition were recovered from the militants, who were believed to be involved in previous attacks in the region.

A clearance operation is still ongoing to ensure no militants remain in the area. The military said operations under the “Azm-e-Istehkam” strategy will continue to eliminate terrorism and improve security across the country.

In a separate operation earlier, security forces also killed several militants in different areas, including Lakki Marwat and Kalat, as part of ongoing counterterrorism efforts.