LANDI KOTAL, May 5: At least 23 militants and two security personnel were killed in fresh clashes in Tirah valley along the border between Khyber Agency and Orakzai Agency on Sunday.

Also on Sunday, two soldiers were killed in a bomb blast in North Waziristan Agency.

According to a statement issued by the Inter Services Public Relations, security personnel launched an offensive and took control of Kismat Hilltop and Ziyarat bunker in areas which had been seized by militants in March.

“In a fierce gun-battle which started around midnight, forces were able to take control of the two strategically located bunkers held by militants,” it said.

Three soldiers were injured in the clash. They were later airlifted to Peshawar.

The statement said scores of militants were seen fleeing their hideouts, leaving behind a huge catch of arms and ammunitions.

Over 8,000 families were forced to leave heir homes in Malikdin Khel, Bar Qambarkhel, Shalobar and Zakhakhel after the Pakistani Taliban captured Bagh Maidan area on March 18.

Our Miramshah correspondent adds: Two security personnel were killed and three others, among them a captain, injured when their convoy was hit by a bomb blast on the Razmak-Eisha road in North Waziristan Agency.

Officials said the convoy was going from Razmak to Bannu when the explosive device placed on the road near Kam Sarobi was detonated by remote control.

The deceased were identified as sepoys Ihsanullah and Tahir and the injured as Captain Sultan Ayaz, Subedar Sarwar and Sepoy Atif.

After the blast, security forces launched a search operation during which military helicopters kept hovering over the area.