US drone attacks kill 15 in Pak's Khyber tribal region

Peshawar, Dec 17 (ANI): At least fifteen people were killed in two US drone attacks in northwest Pakistan's Khyber tribal region.

According to Pakistani intelligence and government officials, the strikes took place in two villages in the Tirah Valley in the tribal region on Friday, the Dawn reported.

The officials said that the missiles hit houses in the villages of Speen Drang and Shandana, however, it was unclear exactly how many people were killed in each respective village.

It is noteworthy that the same valley, considered home to militants, was hit late Thursday in another US attack.

Over 100 missile attacks have taken place inside Pakistan this year, with most of them happening in North Waziristan, a tribal area under the control of terrorist groups.

The missile attacks, whose frequency has more than doubled this year compared to 2009, have been credited with killing many top militants, but have also stirred anger in Pakistan.

Pakistani officials protest the strikes, but are believed to have secretly authorised at least some of them. Analysts also say that targeting information for many of the attacks is likely to be provided by Pakistani intelligence officials. (ANI)