PESHAWAR: At least eight militants including a commander and two security personnel were killed on Saturday evening in a clash in Landikotal Tehsil of Khyber Agency after a security vehicle was ambushed by the militants.

“Two soldiers embraced shahadat (martyrdom) and three others injured this evening in an exchange of fire with terrorists in Landikotal, Khyber,” said an ISPR statement issued to journalists.

“Eight terrorists including one of their commanders were killed in exchange of fire,” it added.

Pakistani military sources told Dawn.com that the Frontier Corps (FC) vehicle was targeted near Hamza Baba Chowk by militants, killing two personnel and injuring the third.

The security forces repulsed the attack killing eight attackers including a commander. A militant was arrested in wounded condition also.

The clash took place the same day when at least six security officials were killed and one injured as an improvised explosive device (IED) targeted a security forces' convoy in Mohmand Agency.

Also Read: North Waziristan offensive “not full-scale operation”

Security forces have pounded militant hideouts in different parts of North Waziristan during the past couple of days, stepping up pressure on militants in the tribal region.

The operation began a day after military planes and helicopter gunships attacked suspected militants’ hideouts in Miramshah and Mirali sub-districts.

Officials put the death toll at 71 which, they say, include local and foreign militants. Residents, however, put the casualty figure at 80, including women and children.