Pakistan militants launched a brazen overnight raid on an army post near the Afghan border, two intelligence officials said Saturday, killing 16 soldiers and critically wounding five more.

"Over 30 militants attacked an army post" in the Makeen area of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, one senior intelligence official told AFP on condition of anonymity. "Sixteen soldiers were martyred and five were critically injured in the assault."

"The militants set fire to the wireless communication equipment, documents and other items present at the checkpoint," he said, before retreating from the two-hour assault which took place 40 kilometres (24 miles) from the Afghan border, reports AFP.

A second intelligence official also anonymously confirmed the same toll of dead and wounded.

The Pakistani Taliban claimed responsibility for the attack, saying in a statement it was staged "in retaliation for the martyrdom of our senior commanders".