Security forces killed eight militants belonging to the India-sponsored Fitna al-Khawarij while six Pakistan Army personnel embraced martyrdom during an exchange of fire in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa's Hangu, the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) said on Sunday.

"On September 20, 2026, a fire exchange took place between a security forces convoy and Khwarij in Hangu district. Resultantly, eight Khwarij belonging to the Indian-sponsored Fitna al-Khawarij were sent to hell due to effective engagement by our troops," the military's media wing said.

The engagement followed the killing of 10 militants belonging to the India-sponsored Fitna al-Khawarij in multiple engagements in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa between September 15 and 17. Six soldiers were martyred during those engagements, the ISPR had said earlier.

Sanitisation operations are under way to eliminate any other militants who may still be present in the area, the ISPR added. This is a developing story and is being updated with more details as they emerge.