Clashes between militants and Pakistani security forces took place once more in the tribal region of North Waziristan, at least 15 gunmen being killed in the skirmishes on Tuesday.

According to military sources, several militants opened fire on security troops near the district’s administrative headquarters Miranshah. A fierce gunbattle broke out, air support reportedly being called in by the governmental forces during the long fire exchange that left behind more than a dozen dead militants and led to the arrest of two.

The region known as a hideout for al-Qaeda-linked fighters has been the scene of fierce clashes and bomb attacks in the past period, apparently after the Lal Masjid standoff ended with a military siege that killed dozens of alleged militants holed up inside the compound.

In other developments, six soldiers from the Frontier Corps were injured after a landmine exploded as their vehicle was passing by the town of Tank in the North-West Frontier Province. Two of the troopers are reportedly in serious condition.

Four other soldiers belonging to the same paramilitary force were kidnapped in the Bannu district of the same province, regional police sources informed.

Governmental troops in the region have become a frequent target for roadside bomb attacks and gunfire after the Red Mosque incident, more than 200 servicemen and civilians being killed in such attacks across Pakistan since July 10.