Security forces eliminated eight militants and injured five others during an intelligence-based operation (IBO) in the Lakki Marwat district of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, officials confirmed on Thursday.

According to security sources, the operation was carried out on October 24 in the Wanda Sheikh Allah area after credible intelligence reports indicated the presence of militants. During the engagement, the armed extremists attempted to flee but were successfully encircled by security personnel. Following a brief but intense exchange of fire, eight militants were neutralized on the spot.

Authorities added that the operation was conducted as part of ongoing counterterrorism efforts in the region aimed at dismantling sleeper cells and preventing attacks against law enforcement and civilians. The identities of the slain militants are being verified, while weapons, ammunition, and communication devices were also recovered from the site.

Security forces have cordoned off the area and launched a comprehensive search operation to trace any remaining militants who may have escaped during the clash.

Recent weeks have seen an increase in terrorist activities in parts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, particularly in North Waziristan, Dera Ismail Khan, and Lakki Marwat, where security forces have intensified operations against extremist elements.