ISLAMABAD - At least six troops and 20 militants were killed in an armed clash between security forces and militants in Pakistan's northwestern tribal area of Lower Orakzai on Saturday, local media reported.

ARY News reported that the security forces conducted an operation against the suspected militants on an intelligence tip off in Shireen Darra area of Orakzai Agency, a tribal area on the Pakistan-Afghanistan border.

The troops shot down 20 militants, while in the exchange of firing, six soldiers also lost their lives.

The clash also left three soldiers injured who have been shifted to a nearby hospital.

Military did not officially confirm the clash yet.

Identities of the killed militants have also not been revealed by the security forces.