Militants attack Pakistani troops

ISLAMABAD, Pakistan, March 2 (UPI) -- Religious extremists attacked Pakistani troops Wednesday in an area where they are conducting an operation against al-Qaida suspects.

Officials say soldiers received fire while bringing water to a camp they have set up in the South Waziristan tribal zone near the Afghan border.

Pakistan launched a massive operation against Taliban and al-Qaida suspects in the same area in March last year. Hundreds of Pakistani soldiers and terror suspects have been killed in clashes since then.

Officials said two soldiers and two militants were killed in Wednesday's attacks.

The militants fled, leaving behind two wounded comrades who were later arrested.