PARACHINAR / KALAYA, Oct 21: Ten Taliban militants, a 'commander' among them, were killed and several others injured in a landmine blast in Kurram Agency and shelling by helicopter gunships in Orakzai tribal region on Thursday.

Local people said a vehicle carrying militants hit a landmine along a road in Marandi area of central Kurram, killing six militants and injuring several others.

The dead included local Taliban commander Hakeem Khan, Nawaz Khan and Rahim Khan. The vehicle was destroyed in the blast.

Officials said that two people were injured in bomb explosions in Balishkhel area of Lower Kurram and Boshera area of Upper Kurram.

In upper Orakzai tehsil, four militants were killed and two others wounded when helicopter gunships pounded their hideouts.