ISLAMABAD, Dec. 26 (Xinhua) -- A top militant commander wanted by law enforcement agencies was killed in a joint police operation in Pakistan's northwest Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, police said on Thursday.

The Counter-Terrorism Department and district police launched the operation on intelligence reports and engaged militants at a suspected hideout, police said.

The militant commander was killed in an exchange of fire, while his accomplices managed to escape through the area's difficult terrain. A search operation is currently underway to apprehend them.

The slain militant was a key ring leader who was wanted in more than 10 cases, including terrorism and attacks on security forces, police added. ■