Pakistani intelligence officials say a US drone strike has killed eight suspected fighters in the North Waziristan tribal region near the Afghan border.

The missiles fired from an unmanned drone struck a house in Dre Nishter village early on Sunday, according to the officials. They spoke on condition of anonymity because they were not authorised to talk to the media.

The officials said the house was being used by fighters loyal to commander Hafiz Gul Bahadur, and some foreigners were also among the dead.

The US has criticised Pakistan for failing to crack down on fighters who stage attacks in Afghanistan and has stepped up drone attacks in the tribal region to combat them.