9 Militants, Four Security Personnel Killed In Gunfight In Northwest Pakistan

At least nine suspected militants and four security personnel were killed in a gunfight in Pakistan’s restive Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, officials said on Friday.

The exchange of fire took place late Thursday night in the Bajaur district , where militants launched attacks in the Meena and Inayat Kalay areas.

According to district officials, security forces responded to the attacks and killed nine suspected militants during the operation, while several others were injured.

The area was later cordoned off and a search operation was launched to trace the remaining attackers.

The banned Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) claimed responsibility for the attack.

The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa region in northwest Pakistan has witnessed recurring unrest for years due to militant violence, cross-border movement of fighters from Afghanistan and repeated military operations. Its mountainous terrain and porous border continue to pose challenges for security forces.

The province has also recorded a sharp rise in terror-related violence over the past year. According to the Centre for Research and Security Studies’ Annual Security Report 2025 , total fatalities increased from 1,620 in 2024 to 2,331 in 2025 .