Four Pakistani troops killed in clashes with Taliban

At least four Pakistani soldiers have been killed in a shootout with a group of pro-Taliban militants in the country’s rugged northwestern tribal region close to the border with Afghanistan.

According to a statement released by the army on Sunday, at least 12 militants were also killed during the clashes, which took place in the town of Datta Khel, about 20 kilometers (12 miles) east of Miranshah, the main town in the North Waziristan region.

“Fleeing terrorists also left behind three of their dead bodies. Four soldiers also embraced Shahadat (martyrdom) in the exchange of fire,” the statement read.

On June 28, nearly two dozen pro-Taliban militants were killed after Pakistani military warplanes pounded their hideouts and ammunition depots in areas across Khyber and North Waziristan tribal districts.