BAJAUR: Two children were killed and four others injured during an exchange of fire between security forces and militants in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s Bajaur district on Thursday evening.

Official sources told Dawn that the clash in Wara Mamund tehsil erupted when security forces were conducting a search operation against suspected militants in the area.

The sources added that the exchange of fire lasted for some time, leaving two children killed and four others injured.

Confirming the casualties, Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) Niaz Muhammad told reporters that the wounded children were taken to the District Headquarters Hospital in Khar for treatment.

He said that the victims and the wounded belonged to the Malakana Dama Dola area.

Awami National Party MPA Muhammad Nisar Baz Khan and PTI MPA Dr Hamidur Rehman strongly condemned the killing of children in the armed clash.

Expressing sympathy with the bereaved families, both lawmakers said in social media posts that such tragic incidents should be avoided in the future.

Sources at the District Headquarters Hospital in Khar told Dawn on Thursday night that most of the injured children were out of danger and were recovering after receiving treatment.