Pakistani intelligence officials say missiles fired from a US drone struck a compound in the North Waziristan tribal region near the Afghan border, killing five militants.
The two officials, who spoke on condition of anonymity because they were not authorised to brief reporters, said three of the militants killed today were Uzbeks and the other two were Pakistanis. They say the compound had been used by the Pakistani Taliban.
US drone strikes have killed several leading militants in rugged areas of Pakistan over the years, but are deeply unpopular in Pakistan because they have also killed civilians. Pakistan has been waging a military offensive in North Waziristan for nearly a year, trying to drive out Taliban and other militants who have long enjoyed safe haven in the lawless region.
