GHALANAI, June 19: At least 25 militants and four soldiers were killed in a clash in Wali Dad area of Mohmand tribal region on Sunday when troops, backed by military planes, helicopters and artillery, pushed in to take control of the militant stronghold of Soran Darra along the Afghan border.

According to ISPR, many militants were injured. However, independent sources did not confirm the claim.

Sources said that both sides used heavy weapons in the fierce clash in Wali Dad top, Mettai and Soran Darra.

According to officials, eight injured soldiers were taken to the Combined Military Hospital (CMH) in Peshawar.

Militants’ hideouts were pounded by jet bombers, helicopter gunships and artillery and security forces regained control of the area after overcoming the resistance put up by militants, the officials said.

Frontier Corps Inspector General Maj-Gen Nader Zeb also visited the area.

Mohmand is the third tribal area to come under cross-border militant attack in recent months. The earlier attacks took place in Upper Dir and Bajaur.

Agencies add: A statement issued by the military said the army, paramilitary troops and the air force had launched a joint operation to evict terrorists from Wali Dad.

“Ground operation was preceded by precise strikes by Pakistan Air Force aircraft on terrorists’ bunkers and positions,” it said.

“After an intensive fight, troops were able to secure Wali Dad top and surrounding areas of the mountain and managed to kill 25 terrorists, while the remaining fled across the border.“Troops are consolidating their positions in the area and a search operation for remnants (of militants) is in progress.”

Local officials earlier said three FC personnel were killed and at least 13 injured when dozens of Taliban stormed a security post near the Afghan border.

The pre-dawn attack took place in Baizai village facing the Afghan province of Kunar, local administration chief Maqsood Hussain told AFP.

“The militants, believed to be more than 50 and armed with light and heavy weapons, launched an attack on the Wali Dad Kor post, triggering a gunfight that lasted about an hour,” he said.

Four militants were killed and several injured.