Militants kill nine Pakistan soldiers in checkpoint attack

Militants have ambushed a Pakistan army security checkpoint in a region close to the border with Afghanistan, killing nine soldiers.

The army said the attack took place in Mir Ali town in North Waziristan, a militant sanctuary frequently targeted by American drones.

Unlike other tribal regions, the military has yet to launch an offensive in North Waziristan.

The army statement said militants had been firing on the checkpoint for the past few days before they ambushed it.

Mir Ali is home to Islamist terrorists from around the world, and insurgents fighting American forces in Afghanistan.