Drone strike kills seven suspected militants in South Waziristan

Two missiles hit compound of suspected militants; five militants died immediately, two succumbed to injuries later

PESHAWAR: At least seven suspect militants were killed, and five others were injured, when a compound was targeted with missiles by a US drone in Wocha Darra of South Waziristan Thursday morning.

Five suspected militants were killed on the spot, and two others later succumbed to their injuries.

Officials said two missiles hit the compound of suspected militants which was established inside a house at Wocha Dara of Tehsil Laddha, situated just on the boundary with the Shawal area of North Waziristan.

Various portions of the compound were destroyed and caught fire.

Earlier, it was reported that rescue activities were delayed because the drone hovered in the air for half an hour. Tribal sources expressed concern over the recent spike in drone strikes as the injured were in critical condition.

A number of foreigners including Arab fugitives of al Qaeda have also been killed in these US drone attacks.

The armed forces, in North Waziristan, are also fighting militants in Operation Zarb-e-Azb since last year to eliminate terrorism from the country.