2 Pakistani soldiers killed in militant attack

Two soldiers were killed and as many injured when their vehicle was targeted with a remote-controlled bomb by suspected Taliban militants in Pakistan's restive northwestern tribal region on Sunday.

In another incident, militants fired at a check post in the same region and injured a soldier, officials said. Security forces also apprehended 15 suspects during search and clearance operations in the restive Swat valley and Waziristan tribal region, the military said.

Two soldiers were killed instantly and two more injured when the vehicle they were traveling in was targeted with a remote-controlled bomb in Lakro sub-division of Mohmand Agency, an army statement said.

The soldiers were attacked in a mountainous area when they were heading to a check post after fetching drinking water. Initial reports had said the vehicle had hit a landmine. No group has claimed responsibility for the attacks.

Clashes between security forces and militants have intensified in Mohmand Agency in recent weeks, leaving dozens of people dead. Members of local pro-government peace committees have also taken up arms against the militants.

Officials say scores of tribal elders have been killed in fighting in the Mohmand region, situated near the strife-torn Bajaur Agency.