GHALANAI: At least 10 soldiers were killed and several others injured in a landmine explosion and an ambush by militants in Mohmand Agency, sources said on Wednesday.

Nine soldiers went missing after a pitched battle following the ambush and troops have launched an intense search for them.

Eight soldiers and a passerby were killed when their vehicle was blown up by the mine detonated by remote control in Dwa Jungi. Local people said two soldiers were critically injured.

According to a security official, 10 militants and two soldiers of the Frontier Corps were killed in clashes after a convoy was ambushed in Manzari Kandho on Tuesday night.

A statement issued by the FC in Peshawar said that four soldiers were injured and three vehicles were destroyed. It said several militants had been injured in the clash.

Sources said a fierce clash took place when the paramilitary convoy which was returning to base was ambushed in Atum village near the Afghan border. The exchange of fire continued for about four hours and both sides used heavy weapons.

Meanwhile, helicopters shelled militants’ hideouts in different areas of Baizai tehsil. Ten suspected terrorists were killed.

According to the sources, 52 soldiers went missing during the clash, but 43 of them returned to their camp on Wednesday.

The FC said troops had been sent to Manzari area to secure hills near the border.

The sources said a heavy reinforcement had been sent to the area and an operation against militants was under way.