WANA, Jan 1: Security forces killed five suspected militants in the Laddah area of the South Waziristan on Tuesday after four paramilitary soldiers had been kidnapped in the area, sources said.

The kidnapping of the soldiers of the Dir Scouts triggered clashes in the region. The forces, according to the sources, launched an attack on militants and pounded their positions in the area.

Troops also fired artillery and mortar shells from Tiarza and Shakai forts on militants’ positions. Residents said exchange of heavy fire continued till midnight. It was later reported that the militants had vacated hilltop positions in Laddah area.

The clash took place in the Mehsud area three days after the government had directly implicated the leader of the recently-formed Tehreek Taliban Pakistan, Baitullah Mehsud, in the assassination of former prime minister Benazir Bhutto.

“The attack could be a reaction to the government blaming Baitullah Mehsud for the assassination. Baitullah possibly would be targeting security forces to pre-empt any possible action against him,” a security official said.

Inter Services Public Relations said that five militants had been killed and 20 arrested. It said that a jirga had been convened which decided to enforce a ceasefire for 24 hours.