At least four people have been killed in northwestern Pakistan in a clash between militants and members of a pro-government militia.

Local officials say militants with the Lashkar-e-Islam group attacked the local peace committee in the Khyber tribal agency on Thursday, killing at least four members of the committee.

A gunbattle then ensued in the Akakhel area. There are reports of militant casualties, but no details.

Pakistani security forces recently launched an offensive in the Khyber to clear the region of Taliban and al-Qaida-linked militants.