Islamabad  - Pakistani military Tuesday said troops killed at least 35 militants in two days of fighting in the troubled North West Frontier Province bordering Afghanistan.

The clashes between the security forces and the Islamist insurgents began Monday in the lawless town of Darra Adam Khel, some 45 kilometres south of provincial capital Peshawar.

"At least 35 militants were killed while three soldiers were wounded," a military spokesman said.

He said artillery and helicopter gunships also pounded militant positions, destroying several hideouts and ammunition dumps. Some of the structures were also being used as training facilities.

The spokesman said immediate objectives of the anti-insurgent operation had been achieved and the area had been cleared.

Darra Adam Khel, which is infamous for its illegal arms factories, borders the restive tribal region, a known hotbed of al-Qaeda and Taliban militants.

It has recently seen a surge in violence and local militants last month beheaded a Polish engineer after holding him hostage for more than four months.

The town has strategic importance as it hosts a tunnel on the key Indus Highway, which connects the north-western region with central and southern Pakistan. (dpa)