Islamabad, Aug 19: Ten militants were killed in two US drone strikes in the lawless North Waziristan tribal region today, taking the total number of such attacks in the area since yesterday to three.
In the first attack, two CIA-operated drones fired four missiles at two vehicles carrying militants in Shawal area of North Waziristan Agency early this morning.
Seven militants were killed instantly, officials were quoted as saying by TV news channels.
The second drone strike targeted a compound in Mana area of North Waziristan. A drone fired two missiles, killing at least three militants.
All those killed today were believed to be members of a Taliban faction led by commander Hafiz Gul Bahadur, local residents said.
Six members of Bahadur's group were killed yesterday in a drone strike on a compound and a vehicle in Shuwedar village of Shawal area.
The Shawal area is dominated by Bahadur, whose fighters often target US and other foreign troops in Afghanistan.
The Pakistan government had strongly protested yesterday's drone attack.
“Pakistan has consistently maintained that these attacks are a violation of its sovereignty and territorial integrity, and are in contravention of international law,” Foreign Office spokesman Moazzam Khan said in a brief statement.
The US has been pushing Pakistan to act against Taliban and al-Qaeda elements in North Waziristan.
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