Dozens of armed militants raided a paramilitary checkpoint in north-west on Wednesday, sparking clashes that left three soldiers and at least 10 attackers dead, officials said. The area on the Afghan border - branded by Washington the most dangerous place on Earth and the global headquarters of al Qaeda - is cut off to journalists and aid workers and it was not possible to confirm the death toll.
"More than 30 militants attacked a Frontier Corps checkpost in Dabori area of Orakzai tribal region on Wednesday afternoon and killed three security persons," a security official told AFP in Peshawar. "The security forces responded to the attack with full force and used helicopters for shelling on the militants. At least 10 militants were killed in the response." Seven troops were injured during the firefight.