Nearly 100 Taliban fighters attacked a security check-post in Pakistan's restive tribal belt, triggering a clash that left 14 militants and three security personnel dead, officials said.
The officials told the media that nearly 100 militants armed with sophisticated weapons attacked Ulay check-post in Baizai area of Mohmand tribal region overnight.
The militants killed three security personnel. The security forces returned fire, killing 14 militants early on Monday, the officials said.
State-run Radio Pakistan reported that seven security personnel were missing after the attack by the militants.
Security forces have launched a "full-scale operation" to clear the area of militants, the officials said.
The check-post that was attacked is located in an area that borders Kunar province of Afghanistan.
The clash occurred near Salala area, where 24 Pakistani soldiers were killed in a cross-border NATO air strike in November last year.
The check-post at Ulay was set up after the one at Salala was destroyed in the air strike.
2 British soldiers killed by man in Afghan uniform
Osama's compound in Abbottabad demolished
Difa-e-Pakistan Council: Another Frankenstein to irk US
No shaving beards, no mobiles: Taliban 'moral' police
Haqqani network and ISI working hand in glove