More than 100 militants killed in clashes in northwest Pakistan

Islamabad: Fierce clashes over the last four days in tribal Pakistani region of Bajaur killed more than 100 Islamist militants and nine soldiers, a military spokesman said on Sunday.

The fighting in the Al Qaida sanctuary near the border with Afghanistan broke out on Wednesday after pro-Taliban militants attacked a security point in Loi Sum, a town west of Khar.

"Fighting is still continuing and forces backed by helicopter gunships are targeting militants' positions mainly on the mountains. We have reports of over 100 militants dead," said a spokesman for Pakistan's Frontier Corps.

Nine soldiers also died during the fighting, he said.

Pakistani troops bombed the militants' hideouts and positions with mortar and artillery, residents said.