ISLAMABAD (PAN): At least 20 people were killed in a bomb blast and clashes between rival religious groups in Pakistan’s lawless tribal region of Khyber near the Afghan border, officials said on Sunday.

The blast that took place at a pro-government militia checkpoint in the Nari Baba area of Zakha Khel killed several members of the tribal force, government official Abdul Nabi told Pajhwok Afghan News. He had no exact casualty figures.

But another official, speaking on condition of anonymity, said armed clashes between the two sides -- followed by the blast -- left a dozen people dead and 13 others wounded.

He said the bomb was allegedly planted by the Lashkar-i-Islami militant group, led by notorious warlord Mangal Bagh. The pro-government militia has been in control of the post after it was deserted by rebels.

Reports said a clash was ongoing between two banned outfits -- Lashkari-i-Islami and Ansarul Islam -- in the Teerah valley. So far eight people have been killed and six others wounded in the clashes.

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