A senior Taliban leader has been killed in clashes between Pakistani troops and Taliban militants in the South Waziristan district.

Afghan national security officials have confirmed the death of Saifur Rahman Mansour in fighting in the restive tribal region bordering Afghanistan.

His body was not brought to Afghanistan and was buried in Pakistani soil for security reasons, the officials added.

Saifur Rahman was the deputy commander of the Kargha garrison west of Kabul during the Taliban rule in Afghanistan. He returned to his native Zurmat district in Paktia province after the Taliban defeat.

Pakistani army earlier said between 40 and 50 Taliban militants were killed in clashes near the town of Ladha in the South Waziristan district, which is thought to be a stronghold for several top Taliban and al-Qaeda leaders.

AKM/BGH