Three Pakistani soldiers were killed during an exchange of fire with militants in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, northwestern Pakistan.

The Pakistani army said in a statement that an exchange of fire took place between Pakistani army forces and militants in the South Waziristan region, resulting in the killing of three Pakistani soldiers.

Meanwhile, security forces are carrying out a combing operation in the area to eliminate the militants, (Radio Pakistan) reported.

The Pakistani army has been waging an open war, for several years, with armed groups in various areas of the country.