Suspected US drone strike kills four in Pakistan

May 20, 2011, 14:30 GMT

Islamabad - At least four people were killed Friday in a suspected US drone attack on a vehicle in Pakistan's troubled north-western tribal areas along the Afghan border, security officials said.

The incident occurred in the Tappi area of Miranshah in North Waziristan, which is one of the main hotbeds of al-Qaeda-linked militants.

An intelligence official said two missiles struck and destroyed the vehicle, killing its occupants.

'So far four people have been confirmed dead in the attack,' he said on the condition of anonymity. 'We cannot say anything about their identity at the moment.'

The death toll cannot be verified through independent means as the area is out of reach of media and aid workers.

North Waziristan is controlled by the Haqqani group of militants who are close supporters of the al-Qaeda terrorist network and frequently target Western troops in Afghanistan.

The United States has repeatedly asked Pakistan to take military action against the group, but Islamabad is reluctant to do so as it has a peace deal with local militants in the district.

US has increased drone strikes but Pakistan opposes these attacks, saying they create anti-US feeling and help the militants find new recruits.

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