The Pakistani army announced in a statement that at least three soldiers and four militants were killed during the clash with militants in the northwest of the country.

Afghan Voice Agency (AVA) - International Service: The Pakistan Army announced today (Saturday) that at least three Pakistani soldiers and four militants were killed in the clash between the army and militants in the northwest of the country near the Afghan border.

According to the Pakistan Army, the clash between security forces and militants took place in three different places in Tirah village in Khyber region.

The statement also said, "Pakistan's security forces are determined to eliminate the haven of terrorism and the sacrifice of our brave soldiers reinforces that resolve."

Militant attacks in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province in northwestern Pakistan, bordering Afghanistan, increased in July as the province witnessed 36 attacks by militants, killing 60 people and injuring 27 others.

According to the Islamabad-based Pakistan Institute for Conflict and Security Studies, over 580 people, including security personnel and civilians, were killed in more than 550 attacks by militants across Pakistan in the last seven months.

The Pakistan Army has also intensified intelligence-based operations in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan following recent attacks on forces in Waziristan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Khorram.