WANA, Aug 22: Seven militants and one soldier were injured in exchange of fire between security forces and militants in the Tiraza Khula area of South Waziristan on Friday.

Sources said supporters of local militant commander Maulvi Nazir attacked a checkpost near Wana, injuring soldier Israel Khan.

Security forces retaliated and also called in gunship helicopters. Seven supporters of the militant commander were injured in the retaliatory attack, the sources said.

Mufti Abu Haroon, an associate of Maulvi Nazir, told Dawn by phone that the Taliban would avenge the recent missile attacks in South Waziristan. He accused the government of disturbing peace process in the area and warned that the Taliban were ready to carry out suicide attacks.