The Pakistani military says they have killed at least 20 militants in the north-western district of Swat.
A military spokesman said the clashes took place in a village near Matta, a militant stronghold in the district.
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The violence has delivered a serious blow to a peace deal signed with the militants two months ago.
A military spokesman quoted by the AFP news agency said that the security forces fought a gun battle with the pro-Taleban militants after they attacked a checkpoint in the district.
One report said that an indefinite curfew had been imposed in the mountain valley after the increased violence.
Surge in violence
Correspondents say the security situation in Swat has been deteriorating despite a peace agreement between the government and pro-Taleban cleric Maulana Fazlullah.
Up to 30 police and paramilitary troops were kidnapped by militants in the Deolai area on Tuesday.
A militant spokesman claimed responsibility for the kidnappings.
And on Monday, three Pakistani security officials were killed by militants in the Matta area.
The militants said the three officials were killed because they had tortured two militants in custody.
Last month, militants burned down much of a hotel in the country's only ski resort, located in the area.
The Taleban admit attacking soldiers and police to avenge the death of their comrades.
But they deny torching at least 10 local girls' schools, claiming unnamed elements were trying to sabotage the peace deal.
(BBC)
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