Taliban attack Pak check post; Kill 25

At least 25 security personnel were killed in a fierce gun battle that erupted after hundreds of Taliban fighters from Afghanistan crossed into northwest Pakistan and attacked a remote security check post on Wednesday.

The heavily armed militants attacked the check post at Shalotal in Upper Dir district of Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa province. The gun battle between the militants and Pakistani troops lasted for over 24 hours.

Officials said 25 security personnel were killed and efforts were underway to retrieve their bodies.

The local administration brought in additional policemen and Frontier Constabulary troops to the area to flush out the militants. Helicopter gunships too were used in the operation.

The army had conducted a major operation against the Taliban in Dir and nearby areas two years ago. At least 13 Pakistani security personnel were killed in a similar cross-border raid by Taliban in the Lower Dir region two months ago.