Security officials in Pakistan say a suspected U.S. missile strike in
the country's northwest has killed at least 13 people, including
foreign militants.
Authorities said Saturday's attack was launched from a suspected U.S. unmanned aircraft (drone) in the North Waziristan tribal region, near the border with Afghanistan.
The strike targeted a home in the region, which is a known hotbed for Taliban and al-Qaida militants.
Officials say the region was also hit by a suicide bombing Saturday at
a security checkpoint in the town of Miran Shah. Media reports say at
least three soldiers were wounded in the attack.
U.S. officials say western Pakistan's lawless tribal regions have
become a safe haven for al-Qaida and Taliban militants responsible for
attacks in Pakistan, as well as Afghanistan.
Unmanned U.S. aircraft have carried out at least 30 missile strikes on
militant targets in northwest Pakistan over the past year.
The United States has never confirmed the strikes, which Pakistan
labels as counterproductive and a violation of its sovereignty.