Two policemen and a woman were killed during a fierce exchange of fire between security forces and militants in Peshawar city of northwest Pakistan today, officials said.
An unknown number of militants were also killed in the clash at Rasheed Garhi in Peshawar.
According to police officials, the gun battle began when security forces launched an operation in the area after getting a tip-off about the presence of militants.
The militants fired at policemen before they stormed a house and took the people inside hostage.
Two policemen were killed in the exchange of fire.
One of the militants blew himself up inside the house, killing a woman and injuring several others, police officials said.
The roof of the house collapsed because of the explosion.
Officials said they would remove the rubble in the morning and dig out the bodies of the militants.
Some 400 security personnel participated in the operation, which was launched after police arrested a suspect with a large quantity of explosives.
During interrogation, the suspect revealed that his accomplices were hiding in Rasheed Ghari area.
Police officials said they believed the militants wanted to disrupt the May 11 general election.
