Pakistani security forces on Friday gunned down three Taliban militants during a skirmish in the country's restive northwest while the rebels blew up two state-run schools in the restive tribal belt, officials said.
Three militants were killed in an exchange of fire in Chaprai area of Swat district.
The gun battle, which erupted after troops challenged the militants, continued for half an hour, officials said.
Two machine guns, a pistol, two grenades and 120 rounds of ammunition were recovered from the dead militants.
Taliban militants blew up two state-run schools in Saafi area of Mohmand tribal region and in Mira Khan Kalay, a border town of Khyber tribal region, though no one was injured in the attacks.
The Taliban have stepped up attacks on schools as they are being eliminated in their bases in the tribal region bordering Afghanistan by the security forces, an official said.
In a separate development, a suspect named Muhammad Zada, who was arrested by the security forces a few days ago, died in a hospital in Khwazakhela area of Swat valley due to brain haemorrhage, officials said.