ISLAMABAD: At least eight suspected militants were killed in a US drone attack in Pakistan's restive north-western tribal region, sparking a strong protest from the government on Monday, just two days ahead of Secretary of State John Kerry's visit.
The drones struck shortly after sunset on Sunday in Shawal area of North Waziristan Agency. Local residents said two missiles struck a three-room structure where several militants were having their Iftar meal after the Ramzan fast.
"Local militants came an hour after the strikes and pulled out the bodies from the debris. At least eight militants, including four foreign fighters, were killed in the attack," said a local tribesman in Shawal which becomes the base for the militants in summer due to its pleasant weather.
Islamabad strongly condemned the drone attack and said such unilateral strikes "violate its sovereignty and territorial integrity".
"Pakistan has repeatedly emphasised the importance of bringing an immediate end to drone strikes," said a statement issued by the foreign office.
It said Pakistan has consistently maintained that drone strikes are counter-productive because of collateral damage.
"Such strikes set dangerous precedents in inter-state relations and leave a negative impact on the mutual desire of both countries to forge a cordial and cooperative relationship and to ensure peace and stability in the region," said the statement.
The government is expected to raise the issue with John Kerry when he arrives here for talks on July 31, the first visit by a high-level US dignitary after the Nawaz Sharif government assumed office following its victory in the parliamentary polls.
The frequency of drone strikes, considered vital by the US to fight the Taliban and al Qaeda militants, had surged in 2011 and 2012. However, the number has come down considerably this year.
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