Pakistan - North Waziristan

Five militants killed in US drone attack

Article published on the 2009-11-05 Latest update 2009-11-05 11:51 TU

A worker checks the identity cards of men fleeing a military offensive in South Waziristan
(Photo: Reuters)

US missiles have killed five militants in Pakistan's Al-Qaeda tribal belt, not far from where 30,000 troops are battling a major Taliban offensive. The attack, which Pakistani officials said was carried out by a US drone, targeted a house in North Waziristan.

"It was a US drone attack which targeted a compound of a local tribesman, Musharraf Gul, in Norak village," a senior security official told AFP. Two missiles were fired from the drone at 1:30am Thursday, or 2030 universal time Wednesday.

A second security official confirmed the attack and said Taliban rebels had been using the compound. "It is not clear if there was any high-value target," the official said. "We also do not know yet the identity of the militants."

Local residents and security officials said Musharraf Gul, aged between 28 and 30, was a cab driver who had been working with militants for more than 18 months.

"Musharraf opened fire after the missile strike in a bid to keep villagers away. He buried the bodies of militants killed in the attack with the help of fellow rebels, who are still guarding the place," a security official said.

The attack comes as around 30,000 Pakistani troops push forward with a major offensive against Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan in neighbouring South Waziristan.