At least 15 people died in clashes between Taliban militants and tribal militia in Pakistan on Monday, local media reported.

The clashes occurred in the Stoorikhel area some 200 kilometers (125 miles) from the northwestern city of Peshawar on the border with Afghanistan. Taliban militants attacked the homes and trenches of anti-Taliban militia.

As a result, nine militiamen and six Taliban militants were killed during the attack. Local tribal elder Malik Sharif was also among those dead. The militants took over his house.

According to local officials, the fighting is still continuing.

Taliban militants have struck numerous times in Pakistan in recent weeks, killing hundreds of civilians and soldiers. More than 2,500 people died in the country as the result of terrorist attacks in the past two and a half years.

An army offensive against the insurgents has been underway in western Pakistan since early May.

The area separating Pakistan and Afghanistan has been a stronghold for Taliban radicals who fled Afghanistan after the U.S.-led invasion toppled the Taliban regime there in 2001.

NEW DELHI, December 28 (RIA Novosti)