US drone attack kills 16 suspected militants in North Waziristan

Drone attack destroyed nearby residential buildings, death toll expected to rise.

MIRANSHAH: At least 16 suspected militants were killed and 13 others were injured in a US drone attack at Darray Nashtar in district Shawal of North Waziristan, security officials said.

Those killed are suspected to be members of the Hafiz Gul Bahadar Taliban.

Initial reports say the drones fired ten missiles on unidentified targets in Darray Nashtar, destroying nearby residential buildings.

The death toll is expected to rise.

Security officials speaking to AFP said, "US drones fired missiles to target a militant compound, killing three rebels."

According to Express News, locals began rescue efforts whereas drones circling overhead caused panic and fear among them.

Earlier, at least nine suspected militants were killed when US drones targeted a vehicle in the Sheen Khwar area on the outskirts of Humzonee village, around four kilometres from Miramshah.

Pakistan has repeatedly criticised American drone strikes in its territory, calling them counter-productive.

Attacks by unmanned US aircraft are deeply unpopular in Pakistan, which says they violate its sovereignty and fan anti-US sentiment, but American officials are said to believe the attacks are too important to give up.