ISLAMABAD - At least 24 militants were killed during a massive clash with security forces Friday morning in Pakistan's northwest tribal area of Mohmand Agency, reported local state-run TV channel PTV.

Related readings:  US demands more progress by Pakistan in Afghan war  Drones kill 24 in NW Pakistan  2 drone strikes kill 8 in NW Pakistan  A suicide bombing in Pakistan claims 50

According to the report, an estimated 150 militants launched a massive attack simultaneously at five check posts in the aforesaid area. During the initial crossfire, at least one check post fell into the hands of the militants.

The report quoted security sources as saying that three security personnel were also killed and 12 others injured in the clashes that broke out early Friday morning in the Tehsil Bezai area of Mohmand Agency, a tribal area bordering Afghanistan.

Helicopter gunships and nearby security forces have been dispatched to the attack sites to reinforce the check posts attacked by the militants, said security sources, adding that so far 24 bodies of militants have been recovered from the attack sites.

The report failed to mention the whereabouts of the remaining militants involved in the attack.