Pakistani officials say security forces have killed at least 23 militants in fighting that took place during a search operation in the country's northwest.
The clash took place in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province on Tuesday, a day after militants launched a suicide bomb attack near a paramilitary base, killing one soldier.
Officials say Tuesday's gunbattle began when militants opened fire on troops searching the area.
Pakistan's military carried out a major offensive against the Taliban in Lower Dir and neighboring Swat Valley last year.
Some information for this report was provided by AP, AFP and Reuters.
