U.S. Says Top Haqqani Leader Confirmed Killed In Pakistan

U.S. officials say a top leader in the Haqqani network, who played a role in attacking U.S.-led coalition forces in Afghanistan, has been killed in Pakistan.

The militant -- identified as Janbaz Zadran, also known as Jamil -- was said to have been killed in the Haqqani stronghold of Miranshah in Pakistan's North Waziristan region, on the Afghan border.

The area reportedly was targeted in a U.S. drone missile strike on October 13. U.S. officials say Zadran's death makes him the most senior Haqqani leader in Pakistan to be removed from the battlefield.

The officials, quoted by The Associated Press and AFP news agencies, said Zadran helped the Haqqani network orchestrate attacks on troops in Kabul and southeastern Afghanistan.

Reports say Zadran had access to figures in the Haqqani leadership.

U.S. intelligence considers the Haqqani network to be a leading threat in Afghanistan, and has alleged that it is supported by Pakistani security forces.

Pakistan denies any official support for the Haqqani network.

compiled from agency reports