Twenty militants killed in Pakistan's Bajaur

Peshawar: At least 20 Islamist militants were killed in a clash with Pakistani security forces in the Taliban-stronghold of Bajaur, an official said on Tuesday.

The fighting erupted east of Khar, the main town of the region, on Monday evening after militants attacked several security checkposts there.

"The exchange of fire lasted for about nine hours and we have reports that at least 20 militants were killed," said Mohammad Jameel, a senior government official in Bajaur.