KALAYA, March 7: Thirteen militants and one soldier were killed in a blast and clashes in Orakzai tribal region on Thursday.

Sources said a remote-controlled explosive device placed by militants in Mamozai tehsil went off when a security convoy was patrolling the area. A soldier was killed and three other security men were injured.

After the blast security personnel targeted militant positions in Sam and Kalaya areas with artillery. They claimed killing eight militants and destroying several hideouts.

In the same tehsil, a gunbattle took place in which security personnel killed five militants. They took control of Ghwandai area. —Correspondent