At least 25 Taliban fighters and two security personnel were killed in fighting between Pakistani security forces and militants in the northwestern Bajaur tribal region bordering Afghanistan.

The clashed broke out on Wednesday when security forces reoccupied a check post in Loisam area of Bajaur Agency which they had abandoned eight months ago. There were also reports that the militants had attacked a security forces vehicle in Loisam.

At least 25 militants were killed and 30 injured in clashes in Loisam. The security forces backed by gunship helicopters targeted militant hideouts, TV channels reported.

Two Frontier Corps personnel were killed when Taliban militants attacked a security forces vehicle. In a separate incident, five civilians, including three children, were injured when a mortar fell on their home.

Bajaur Agency is considered a safe haven for the Taliban and al-Qaeda, who use the region as a base for launching cross-border attacks into Afghanistan. The militants in Bajaur Agency are led by Tehrik-e- Taliban Pakistan deputy chief Maulana Faqir Mohammad.

Following the clashes, many people fled from Bajaur Agency to safer places.

Military spokesman Maj Gen Athar Abbas said the troops took action against the militants after they attacked a security post at Loisam. Troops and tanks sent from Khar, the main town of Bajaur Agency, have reoccupied the security check post in Loisam that was abandoned eight months ago.

On learning of the arrival of the security forces in Loisam, the Taliban attacked the post with heavy weapons. The attack was repulsed by the troops.