PESHAWAR: Security forces captured two militant strongholds in Kismet Sur and Sunghar areas of Tirah valley in Khyber tribal region after successful operations were conducted in the areas , according to Inter Services Public Relations (ISPR) sources.

At least 16 militants were killed during the operation moreover scores of other militants fled from the area leaving behind a huge cache of arms and ammunition, which was recovered by security forces.

Two security personnel were killed and three others were injured during the operation.

Moreover two security personnel of the Bomb Disposal Unit (BDU) were killed and three others were injured in an Improvised Explosive Device (IED) blast while the unit was clearing the Esha Razmak Road, officials confirmed.

The military officials confirmed that the bomb disposal party was busy clearing the Esha-Razmak route for troops’ movement when it was hit by an IED, resulting in the death of two soldiers.

The officials also confirmed that three soldiers were would in the blast who were shifted to a nearby hospital.

A search operation continued in the area.

In another incident in Orakzai tribal region's Mamozai area, at least six suspected militants were killed and five others were injured during clashes between security forces and militants.

Security sources told Dawn.com that two security personnel were also injured during the skirmish.