24 killed in attack on Pakistan check-post

Islamabad, June 5 (IANS) At least 20 militants and four soldiers were killed after an army check-post was attacked in Pakistan's northwest tribal region early Tuesday, a media report said.

The attack occurred in the wee hours when an unknown number of militants stormed an army check-post in Salala area of Mohmand Agency, a tribal region along the Pakistan- Afghanistan border, Xinhua reported.

According to Dawn news, four soldiers lost their lives in the attack and 20 militants were killed in the retaliatory attack by the army.

Geo News reported that the insurgents wounded at least four soldiers at the outpost, which has seen much bloodshed in the past.

No group immediately claimed responsibility for the attack.

Last November, the border checkpost had gained international attention after it was attacked by a US military helicopter, leading to the death of 24 soldiers.

The attack strained the rollercoaster relations between the two countries and Pakistan blocked NATO supplies to Afghanistan, demanding compensation and an apology. The US has refused both.