At least three soldiers and seven militants were killed today in a fierce gun-battle in Pakistan's restive northwestern tribal belt near the Afghan border.
The security forces were carrying out search operation in border areas of Salarzai in Bajaur district on the Afghan border when militants launched an attack, leading to clash.
A security official said the troops effectively responded to the attack and repulsed the militants.
"Seven attackers were killed in the clash while two soldiers and a captain embraced martyrdom in the fight," he said.
Two more soldiers were injured in the gun-battle and shifted to hospital for treatment.
Bajaur borders Kunar province of Afghanistan where Taliban chief Mullah Fazlullah is allegedly hiding.
Once it was considered as stronghold of al-Qaeda and Taliban but forces have cleared it vast areas.
However, militants often enter from Afghanistan through porous border to attack the forces and pro-government tribesmen.
Pakistani troops have been engaged in a full-scale offensive against Taliban and other militants in North Waziristan and Khyber tribal districts since last year.
