Pakistani officials say a landmine in one of the tribal area's bordering Afghanistan killed at least two soldiers and wounded two others while they were on an operation Thursday.

Security officials said Friday they suspect militants planted the explosive in the Makeen area of the South Waziristan tribal region. So far, no one has claimed responsibility.

It is difficult to independently confirm the casualties as the region is largely closed off to journalists and foreigners due to security reasons.

The Pakistani military launched operations in the tribal area more than a year ago with the goal of rooting out Pakistani Taliban militants based there. South Waziristan is a known stronghold for the group.

Meanwhile, authorities in the southwestern Baluchistan province said Friday that ongoing clashes left four paramilitary soldiers and eight militants dead.