Six soldiers and eight militants killed in shootout in northern Pakistan

Islamabad, Sept 20 (KUNA) -- The Pakistani army announced on Sunday that eight militants and six soldiers were killed in a firefight with security forces in the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province in northern Pakistan.

The army's media wing stated in a statement that eight militants were killed during the clash as a result of "effective engagement" by Pakistani forces, while noting that two officers leading their troops on the front lines and four other soldiers were killed during the intense firefight.

The statement added that the exchange of fire took place between a security force convoy and militants in the Hangu district of the province, explaining that a search and clearance operation is underway in the area to eliminate any other potential militants.

Earlier on Sunday, the army announced the killing of five militants and the rescue of 23 hostages during a security operation conducted by security forces in the Balochistan province in southwestern Pakistan.

(END) S.B.K / M.A.H.A