Eight terrorists were killed during a joint intelligence-based operation conducted by police and the Counter Terrorism Department (CTD) in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s Bannu district, while a police constable was martyred and two others sustained injuries in the exchange of fire, sources said on Saturday.

According to officials, the operation was carried out in the jurisdiction of Miryan Police Station after security agencies received intelligence regarding the presence of militants in the area.

Police and CTD teams surrounded the suspected hideout, triggering a fierce gun battle after the militants opened heavy fire.

During the exchange, Police Constable Noorullah embraced martyrdom, while two other personnel were injured. The wounded officials were shifted to a nearby hospital for medical treatment.

Sources said multiple militants were neutralised during the operation, while a search operation in the surrounding area remained underway to trace possible facilitators and apprehend fleeing suspects.

Inspector General of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Police Zulfiqar Hameed praised the police and CTD teams for the successful operation and announced rewards for the personnel involved.

He said security forces would continue operations with full resolve to eliminate terrorism and restore peace in the region.