Militants attacked an isolated army checkpoint in Pakistan's restive north-west yesterday, with at least 35 people killed in the initial assault, subsequent crossfire and a rocket attack on a house.

A security official said 12 militants and 13 soldiers were killed in the clash.

The Pakistan Taliban claimed responsibility, saying that the attack was in response to a US drone strike in neighbouring North Waziristan last month, in which two commanders were killed.

The militants attacked the post at Lakki Marwat early yesterday.

■PAKISTAN