PESHAWAR: At least three suspected militants were killed and four others injured during an exchange of fire with security personnel on Thursday near the Pak-Afghan border in North Waziristan.

According to security forces, the clash took place in Shawal valley of North Waziristan near Pak-Afghan border, in which three 'militants' were killed and four were injured.

However, this information could not be independently verified as journalists have limited access to the war-torn region.

Security forces reportedly suffered no loss of life or property.

Operations against militants in North Waziristan were stepped up after the government decided to implement the nation-wide National Action Plan combating terrorism in the country. Suspected militants have also been killed in drone strikes in the region.

Zarb-i-Azb military operation which targeted local and foreign militants specifically in North Waziristan was spearheaded following an attack on Karachi's Jinnah International Airport on June 8, 2014.

According to official statements, over 3,500 militants have been killed in operation Zarb-i-Azb, while the offensive forced over a million civilians to vacate their homes and move to settled areas of the country.