Two security personnel, five militants killed in gunfight in Khyber Agency

The gun battle took place in Akakhel village as paramilitary troops were carrying out a search operation.

PESHAWAR: At least two security personnel and 10 militants died during a search operation to flush militants out of their hide-outs in the Khyber Agency on Saturday.

The gun battle took place in Akakhel village in Khyber tribal district as paramilitary troops were carrying out a search operation.

"Two paramilitary soldiers were killed and eight others were wounded in gunfight with militants," Khyber administration chief Mutahar Zeb told AFP.

A senior paramilitary official confirmed the clash and casualties.

The search operation came in response to a roadside bomb that hit a convoy of security forces, killing at least two soldiers and injuring another eight.

(Read: “Roadside bomb kills 3 soldiers in Khyber Agency: Officials”)

The attack comes a day after a teenage suicide bomber blew himself during the Friday prayers at a local mosque in Jamrud.

(Read: “Suicide blast in Jamrud mosque: 56 killed, 123 injured”)