PARACHINAR: Ten suspected militants were killed after helicopter gunships shelled militant hide-outs in Pakistan's northwestern tribal region.

The operation followed an attack on a security checkpoint in the area that killed two paramilitary soldiers.

An intelligence official said gunmen also injured three soldiers when they attacked the checkpoint Tuesday night in Mohmand region.

The official said security forces have been unable to establish contact with 10 other soldiers at the checkpoint at the time.

A local government official in Mohmand confirmed the checkpoint attack and Wednesday's shelling of militant hide-outs in Bai Zai town.

The officials spoke on condition of anonymity because they were not authorised to talk to media.