Taliban seize 22 men from tribal force units

Pakistani army soldiers patrol outside the airport in Peshawar after the Pakistani Taliban claimed responsibility for suicide attack on an international airport earlier this month (AFP)

The Pakistani Taliban have seized at least 22 men from a regional paramilitary force in attacks on three checkpoints in northern Pakistan.

The raids close to the provincial capital of Peshawar follow two high-profile attacks in the city this month, underlining the Taliban's willingness to take on the Pakistani state amid speculation of divisions among senior Talibani leadership.

At least 22 men were missing, two had been killed and one was injured after militants armed with rocket-propelled grenades and rifles launched the overnight attacks, said Naveed Akbar, a regional official involved with the Levies, or tribal force units.

Other Pakistani officials said at least 30 men had been taken, a figure echoed by Taliban spokesmen. Military sources said no soldiers or police were missing.

REUTERS