Pakistani officials say fighting between Pakistani tribesmen and foreign militants on the Afghan border has killed at least seven militants.

A government official said Friday residents of Pakistan's South Waziristan tribal region attacked a school Thursday used by Uzbek militants as a base in Ghawakha, a town near the regional capital, Wana.

The attack killed seven Uzbeks. The two sides exchanged sporadic rocket and mortar fire Thursday, with some clashes continuing overnight.

Clashes in South Waziristan began in mid-March and erupted again Wednesday, violating a recent ceasefire agreement. Pakistani authorities recently signed agreements with local tribal leaders for them to sever ties with foreign militants.

The foreign fighters are suspected of attacking NATO forces across the border in Afghanistan. The tribes had been protecting militants who fled Afghanistan after the overthrow of the Taleban in late 2001. Pakistan says the recent clashes show its strategy is working.

Some information for this report was provided by AFP and Reuters.