Pakistani intelligence officials say a suspected U.S. missile strike has killed nine people in northwest Pakistan.
Authorities say at least four missiles hit near two villages west of
Wana, a major town near the Afghan border in Pakistan's South
Waziristan region.
Suspected U.S. drones (unmanned aircrafts) are reported to
have launched at least 30 missile attacks in Pakistan since the middle
of last year, despite public objections by the Pakistani government.
The targeted South Waziristan region is believed to be home to many al-Qaida and Taliban leaders.
Pakistan's military said Tuesday that it is preparing for a new
military offensive in South Waziristan against Pakistani Taliban leader
Baitullah Mehsud.
Mehsud is one of the most wanted militants in Pakistan for scores of
attacks against government and civilian targets. He is also believed to
be a key facilitator for al-Qaida fighters in the country.
Reports from South Waziristan say some residents have fled their homes
in anticipation of violence. An estimated 2.5 million people already
have fled fighting in Pakistan's northwest since the military began
battling Taliban fighters in the greater Swat valley more than a month
ago.