Scores killed in fierce clashes in Pakistan's tribal region

Khar: Clashes in Pakistan's tribal region have left at least 25 pro-Taliban militants and two Pakistani soldiers dead, government officials said on Thursday.

Fierce clashes erupted late on Wednesday where militants ambushed a security vehicle in the Loi Sum area in Bajaur, an area where Al Qaida and Taliban activity flourishes.

"We have reports of 25 militants. Two paramilitary soldiers were also killed and three wounded," a senior government official said.

Army helicopter gunships attacked militant hideouts in the mountainous region.

Separately militants ambushed a security vehicle with a remote-controlled bomb early on Thursday near Khar, the main town of Bajaur, killing two soldiers, officials said citing an intelligence report.