A militant ambush has killed at least three soldiers in the troubled northwestern Pakistan amid escalating violence in the volatile region, Press TV reported.
According to Pakistani officials, the incident took place in Kasha village in Orakzai tribal district on Monday, a Press TV correspondent reported. Five more troops were wounded in the fatal incident.
The ambush sparked pitched battles between the Pakistani army and the pro-Taliban militants active in the region.
The assault came a day after dozens of militants were killed during an operation by security forces in Orakzai district and its surrounding areas.
Pakistani military has recently launched a series of operations in an effort to stem the militants from the troubled tribal zone.
The Orakzai Agency, one of the country's 'Federally Administered Tribal Areas', is believed to be a stronghold of pro-Taliban militants.
Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan is believed to be a major force behind a terror campaign that has killed thousands of people across Pakistan over the past years.
A new wave of violence has undermined the already deteriorating security of the country.
Militants throughout Pakistan have killed over 4,000 people in bombings and other attacks since July 2007.