Pakistani officials say a suspected U.S. missile strike has killed at least 6 people believed to be militants in the northwestern part of the country.
Officials said Sunday's attack targeted a vehicle and compound in Spalgah village near Miranshah in the North Waziristan tribal region. Authorities say the compound is owned by the Pakistani Taliban.
U.S. officials believe al-Qaida and Taliban groups use the tribal region as a safe haven to conduct strikes on coalition and Afghan forces in Afghanistan. Members of the Tehrik-i-Taliban are believed to have sought shelter in the area after the Pakistani military targeted their headquarters of South Waziristan.
Earlier Sunday in South Waziristan, Pakistani officials said a suspected U.S. drone strike missed its vehicle target in the tribal region, allowing for at least four suspected militants to flee.
The U.S. does not comment on the missile strikes, except to say they are a useful tool in the fight against terrorism. Pakistan publicly denounces the strikes as infringing on its sovereignty.
Meanwhile, Pakistani police say insurgents have killed at least eight people in the lawless northwest. Officials say the militants opened fire Sunday on a van in the Hangu district, killing the civilians.
Authorities say police killed three of the suspected gunmen.
