MIRAMSHAH, Oct 19: Two militants and a security man were killed and two passers-by injured in an exchange of fire at a checkpost in Civil Colony here on Friday.

Security personnel were carrying out routine search at the checkpost when two militants on a motorcycle opened fire, killing a security man.

In retaliatory fire both attackers were killed.

Two passers-by identified as Saddam Khan and Syed Wali Khan suffered injuries and were taken to DHQ Hospital at Miramshah.

After the incident an indefinite curfew was imposed by Political Agent Siraj Ahmed and security forces, backed by helicopter gunships and artillery, cordoned off the entire area and launched a search operation.

Locals said Machas Camp and surrounding areas were pounded with cannon fire and helicopter gunships targeted militant hideouts.

They feared several causalities and damage to buildings.