Fighters killed in Pakistan drone strike

At least 10 fighters killed in apparent US drone attack near Afghan border, according to Pakistani officials.

North Waziristan map

A US drone strike in Pakistan’s frontier tribal areas has killed 10 suspected fighters, according to Pakistani officials.

Sunday’s strike was the sixth such attack in two weeks, despite ongoing demands by Islamabad for aerial strikes on its territory to stop.

Pakistani intelligence officials said four missiles were fired at the village of Mana Raghzai in South Waziristan near the border with neighbouring Afghanistan.

The suspected fighters had gathered to offer condolences to the brother of a commander killed in another drone attack one day earlier.

The brother was along those who died in the Sunday morning attack. Pakistani officials said two foreigners were among the victims.

Drone campaign

Under President Barack Obama, the US stepped up its drone campaign in the Pakistani border areas as a means to keep al-Qaeda and Taliban fighters from using Pakistan as a base for attacks against US and NATO forces in Afghanistan.

The Pakistani government and parliament has repeatedly asked Washington to halt the use of drones.

The ongoing attacks have also complicated efforts for the US and Pakistan to come to an agreement over reopening the supply routes into Afghanistan.

A US airstrike killed 24 Pakistani soldiers in November, prompting Islamabad to shut down the convoy route.

Pakistan has demanded an apology over the raid and an end to drone strikes as a precursor to reopening the supply lines.

Source: News Agencies