Pakistan forces kill 22 militants in northwest operation, child killed in crossfire

Pakistan’s security forces killed 22 militants during an intelligence-based operation in the country’s northwest, while a 10-year-old child died in crossfire during the exchange, the military said on Friday. According to a statement by the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), Pakistan’s military media wing, security forces in coordination with other law enforcement agencies conducted the operation in Khyber District on April 21 after receiving reports of militant presence. The statement said troops engaged militants in a heavy exchange of fire, killing 22 individuals linked to what the state describes as “Fitna-al-Khwarij”. It added that the operation was carried out with precision and an effective tactical response. During the firefight, militants opened indiscriminate fire in an attempt to escape, resulting in the death of a 10-year-old child, whom authorities described as being killed in crossfire. Security officials said a cache of weapons and ammunition was recovered from the dead militants, who were accused of involvement in multiple terrorist incidents in the region. A follow-up sanitization operation is currently underway to clear the area of any remaining militants, the statement added. The military said security forces will continue counter-terrorism operations under the “Azm-e-Istehkam” strategy aimed at eliminating militancy and ensuring long-term stability. Authorities also reaffirmed their resolve to eradicate what they term foreign-sponsored terrorism, saying such incidents reinforce national commitment. Separately, attacks—many claimed by the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) armed group—have escalated in recent years, particularly in provinces bordering Afghanistan. Pakistan has accused Afghanistan of providing safe haven to militants since the Afghan Taliban returned to power in 2021, allegations Kabul has repeatedly denied. These concerns have strained ties between the neighbors and led to repeated border clashes.