The clashes in restive northwest Pakistan took place as Taliban terrorists with rockets and automatic weapons stuck two security checkpoints, leading to intense battles in Songrani, Feroz Khel and Sherin Darra areas of the Orakzai agency, officials said.

Monday's gun battle followed Sunday's heavy clashes which had left 33 militants dead when they were attacked by troops backed by helicopter gunships in the same region.

Security officials have claimed that about 300 militants have been killed since an operation was launched in the Orakzai agency to flush out rebels.

Over a dozen security personnel have also died in the fighting.

The fighting in the Orakzai region, considered to be a stronghold of the late Tehrik-e-Taliban chief Hakimullah Mehsud, comes as authorities believe that a large number of Taliban and foreign fighters have taken shelter there after escaping the army offensive in South Waziristan.