PESHAWAR: Twenty-five militants were killed and 17 security officials, including a major, were injured in a clash in northwest Pakistan’s Orakzai tribal area, DawnNews reported on Wednesday.

Government sources said militants attacked three security check posts in Orakzai’s Dabori area, injuring 17 security personnel.

In retaliatory action, security forces attacked militant hideouts using gunship helicopters. Five insurgent hideouts were destroyed in the action which also resulted in the killing of 25 militants.

Orakzai is one of the most lawless areas in Pakistan’s northwest tribal region, which is made up of seven districts near the Afghan border.

Security forces launched a major operation in Orakzai in March last year after militants fled a sweeping offensive in the nearby tribal district of South Waziristan.