Four members of Pakistan's security forces and seven militants have been killed during a shoot-out in the northwestern tribal district of North Waziristan, Pakistan's military says.

A statement from Pakistani security forces said the clash took place on March 18 in the area of Datta Khel when government troops raided a "terrorist" hideout.

The statement said one of the slain soldiers was an officer. It said one soldier also was wounded.

A large cache of arms, ammunition, and improvised explosive devices were recovered from the hideout, the statement said.

Officials were quoted as saying at the suspects belonged to a Pakistani militant group that was planning to carry out attacks.

Pakistan launched a massive military operation in North Waziristan in 2014 to clear the region of militants.

But the region on the border of Afghanistan has continued to be the scene of violent attacks, targeted killings, and roadside bombs.

With reporting by AP