Pakistani helicopter gunships today pounded Taliban positions in the restive tribal belt in the country's north-west killing at least 10 militants, shortly after an attack by insurgents on a security check post left two paramilitary troopers dead and 10 others missing.     

The helicopter gunships shelled militant positions at several places in Mohmand tribal agency in the wake of the overnight attack by the Taliban.

At least 10 militants were killed in the helicopter assault on Taliban positions. Several militants were also injured in the shelling, officials were quoted as saying by 'Geo News' channel.

Earlier, two personnel of the Frontier Corps were killed and three injured when the Taliban attacked the security check post.

Officials said a total of 52 personnel were present at the post and a contact could not be re-established with 10 of them. 

A search has been launched for the 10 missing personnel, the officials said.

Pakistani troops are currently conducting a ground offensive against the Taliban in South Waziristan tribal region. The army claims it has killed nearly 500 militants in that region since October 17.