ISLAMABAD, Dec. 25 (Xinhua) -- One soldier was killed and 23 others were injured after an explosion triggered hours-long clashes in Pakistan's northwestern Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province on Thursday, security sources said.
The incident occurred when an improvised explosive device targeted a military bomb disposal team in North Waziristan district, injuring one soldier, the sources told Xinhua on condition of anonymity.
Following the blast, an exchange of fire broke out between security forces and the militants, the sources added.
"During the gunfight, three soldiers got critically wounded and were evacuated to the hospital, where one of them later succumbed to his injuries," the sources said.
At least 20 civilians were also injured in the clashes and were shifted to a nearby hospital, according to the sources.
The sources said the attackers belonged to a faction of Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan, adding that investigations are underway and security in the region has been tightened. ■
