LANDI KOTAL, April 7: Ten militants were killed and five soldiers injured as clashes between security forces and activists of Lashkar-i-Islam (LI) continued on Sunday.

Official sources said that security forces continued their offensive against LI hideouts in remote areas of Akkakhel in Tirah valley.

They said that daylong clashes left at least 10 militants dead and five soldiers injured. The security forces made advances into areas controlled by the LI after pounding its positions with heavy artillery.

Security forces have the support of Tawheedul Islam, a pro-government Zakhakhel armed group.

Meanwhile, the forces repulsed an attack by militants at Nargas checkpost in the outskirts of Bara.

Officials said that militants used rocket launchers, but no one was hurt in the attack. Retaliatory fire by security forces forced militants to retreat.—Correspondent