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Pakistan
Missile attack in South Waziristan kills at least three
Article published on the 2009-04-19 Latest update 2009-04-19 14:17 TU
At least three suspected militants were killed on Sunday in Pakistan's tribal area that borders Afghanistan. Officials say they believe they were killed by US missiles fired from a drone that was aimed at suspected Taliban and Al-Qaeda rebels in the northwest region, and which took off from Afghanistan.
The semi-autonomous South Waziristan tribal area is believed to be a stronghold of Pakistan's top Taliban commander, Baitullah Mehsud.
The official said two missiles hit a house in Gangi Khel town in South Waziristan district. Another official, speaking on condition of anonymity, said the attack targeted a militant hideout, killing three suspected rebels.
But one security official said seven militants had died. Residents said the attack flattened a compound, and a vehicle parked nearby was also destroyed.
Sunday's attack was the fourth suspected US strike this month.
The Pakistan government is strongly opposed to the attacks by the aircraft which, it says, violates its territorial sovereignty. Around 370 people and suspected militants have died in 38 such attacks since August 2008.
 US drone hits militant camp |
