Taliban troops kill 22 in Pakistan

The deaths bring to 37 the reported toll from the clashes this week, which underline the fragile hold of Pakistan's central government on its regions bordering Afghanistan.

The territory, in particular the semi-autonomous tribal regions, is believed to be rife with Taliban and al Qaida fighters and subject to inter-tribal and militant feuds.

Attempts by the Pakistani government to agree a peace deal with militants in the area have been criticised by US officials, who say such negotiations will only give extremists time to regroup and plan new attacks in Afghanistan.

The latest clashes began on Monday night when fighters loyal to Taliban leader Baitullah Mehsud attacked villages outside Jandola town, near the South Waziristan tribal area, according to military spokesman General Athar Abbas.

Thousands of Mehsud fighters then battled members of a group led by Turkistan Bitani, according to a resident, Mohammed Khalil. The fighting killed at least 15 people, officials said.

Bitani is considered a Mehsud rival who has sided with the government in peace efforts in the region. Mehsud, based in South Waziristan, is the leader of an alliance of Pakistani Taliban factions.

Mehsud's fighters took captive supporters of Bitani, and at least 22 of their bullet-riddled bodies were found along the Tank-Jandola road, said a local administration official.

The government is negotiating a controversial peace deal with Mehsud's fellow tribesmen to try to contain militancy in the region.

Mehsud has been accused in the killing of former Pakistani Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto but has denied involvement.