Suspected U.S. Drone Attacks Kill At Least 16 In Pakistan

Pakistani local officials say missiles fired from U.S. drones killed at least 16 suspected militants in northwest Pakistan near the Afghan border on June 8.

The officials said the strikes occurred in the Shawal area of the North Waziristan tribal region.

The identities of the dead were not immediately clear.

Several militant groups blamed for attacks on NATO-led forces across the border are active in tribal areas.

The United States has stepped up drone attacks in the region this year. About 20 people were killed in three strikes in South Waziristan on June 6.

compiled from agency reports