Security forces suffered heavy casualties on Monday night when at least 13 of their soldiers were martyred in a militants' ambush.

The incident occurred when militants attacked security forces in Akakhel area of Khyber Agency.

The 13 soldiers, including a captain and colonel, died as a mortar shell landed near them.

According to the local sources, the paramilitary troops were traveling in a convoy of three vehicles to the Meelwat area from the Aziz check-post when it came under attack.