At least six security personnel were killed and 16 others injured when scores of militants attacked a checkpost in Bara tehsil of Khyber Agency early on Tuesday.
Officials said the troops killed four militants in retaliatory action. On the other hand, tribesmen said four security personnel had gone missing after the attack. According to the official, scores of militants attacked a security checkpost set up in Muslim Dhandh, an area dominated by Shalobar Qambarkhel.
Militants first felted hand grenades at the troops manning the checkpost and later sprayed a volley of bullets at them.
The officials said at least six troops were killed and 16 others were injured.
The injured were rushed to hospitals in Peshawar, where several were said to be in critical condition.
The officials said following the attack, security forces embarked on retaliatory action against the militants and shot four of them dead. However, tribesmen said four personnel had gone missing and were believed to have been abducted by the militants. Clashes between security forces and gun totting elements of the banned Lashkar-e-Islam have been in progress in Bara and Tirah regions of Khyber Agency for the last several years. As a result of these clashes, majority of dwellers have abandoned homes and are now taking shelter in Peshawar and its surrounding areas. The banned Lashkar Islam is also engaged in hostilities with rival Lashkar Tauheed and both sides have been attacking each other in the Tirah Valley frequently.
