Taliban attack, kidnap several Pak security men: Report

Several Pakistani security personnel were reportedly kidnapped by Taliban militants, who launched a pre-dawn attack on a security check post-near the Pakistani tribal region killing one personnel, local media reported on Friday.

Two security personnel were also injured in the attack in Tank district in Khyber Pakhtoonkhwa province, TV channels reported.

Express TV reported that the militants attacked a check-post of Frontier Corps at a remote Mulzai area, near South Waziristan tribal region, with automatic weapons.

TV channels also reported that the militants kidnapped several security personnel after the attack.

There was no official confirmation of the kidnapping.

Both sides also exchanged fire but there was no report about casualties.

Geo TV reported that the militants fled after the attack while taking advantage of the darkness.

The security forces launched a search operation in the area but there was no report of any arrest.

No group has claimed responsibility for the attack but the local authorities blamed the banned Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan for the attack.

They said the militants had sneaked into the area from South Waziristan and later fled towards the tribal region.

Pakistani security forces have cleared most parts of South Waziristan from the Taliban militants during the 2009 offensives but the militants are still hiding in remote mountainous areas. They frequently launch attacks on security forces and pro-government tribal elders.

The attack came amid reports that the Pakistani government is holding talks with the Taliban.

The government has denied talks but a top Taliban leader claimed progress in the dialogue.