A Sunday statement released by a military spokesman said Pakistani troops confronted the Taliban elements in the Shumkari area of the Mohmand tribal district near the Afghan border while the latter were attempting to "sneak into Pakistan territory."

"At about 0130 hours (Saturday night) a group of about 10-15 terrorists tried to sneak into Pakistan territory. Pakistan troops observed and surrounded them. Intense exchange of fire took place for about an hour," added the statement.

Confirming the operation, a local administration authority said the bodies of the armed militants were later transferred to a local hospital for autopsy.

Since 2001, when the Pakistani government entered an alliance with the US in its so-called war on terror, thousands of Pakistanis have lost their lives in bombings and other militant attacks in the country.