Pakistani security forces gunned down eight Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) militants attempting to sneak across the Afghan border into Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s Bajaur district, officials reported Wednesday.

The fierce firefight erupted Tuesday in Lowi Mamund tehsil after intelligence tipped off authorities about a group of TTP militants, labeled "Fitna al-Khawarij" by Pakistan, crossing from Afghanistan’s Kunar province. Acting swiftly, troops engaged the infiltrators, neutralizing all eight in a hours-long clash, according to local sources.

Tragically, a child caught in the crossfire was injured and received initial treatment at Larkholozo Hospital before being transferred to District Headquarters Hospital in Khar for further care.

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Following the operation, security forces ramped up surveillance along the volatile Pak-Afghan border to deter future infiltration attempts. Local residents confirmed the intensity of the skirmish, which rattled the region for hours.

This decisive action follows a deadly July 2 bombing in Khar tehsil that killed five, including an Assistant Commissioner and a Tehsildar, and injured 17 others, including four policemen. The military’s media wing, Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), has yet to release an official statement on the latest operation.

Pakistan remains on high alert as TTP activities surge, with authorities vowing to crush cross-border militancy.

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