Pakistan officials: 25 militants, two troops dead

Security officials say Pakistani troops have killed at least 25 militants in fighting near the Afghan border.

Two soldiers also died in the clashes in Loi Sam village in the Bajur tribal region.

The officials say the fighting broke out yesterday after some 200 pro-Taliban militants attacked a military checkpoint.

The officials included two army officers and an area intelligence official. All three said they received reports from local authorities about the casualties.

Pakistan’s tribal regions are considered havens for Taliban and al-Qaida-linked fighters, many of whom are involved in attacks in neighbouring Afghanistan.