At least three militants were killed and several others were wounded during a joint search and strike operation performed by police and security forces in Lakki Marwat district in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa, authorities said.

The operation, led by the District Police Officer (DPO) Jawad Ishaq, was launched on intelligence-based information about the presence of militants in the Tajori area, KP Police Media Wing said in a statement.

Staff from the local police, Teric Fugee Department (CTD) and Quick Response Force (QRF) participated in the operation involving a meeting with 20 to 25 militants in a wooded zone near Khan Khel Mandzai, on the border with Tajori and Bargai Police Stations.

“A tough exchange of fire lasted for about two hours, with three militants being neutralized,” the statement says. No injuries were reported among the security staff.

Search operations continued in the area after reports that several wounded militants had fled.

Inspector of the KP Police, Zulfiqar Hameed, praised courage and professionalism from the forces involved. He also recognized the critical role of the local peace committee in supporting the effort.

“Cooperation between the local community is crucial in our mission to maintain peace and security,” he said, announcing cash rewards and rose certificates for those involved in the operation.