17 Militants Reportedly Killed By U.S. Missile Strikes In Pakistan

Local security officials in Pakistan say missile strikes by U.S. drone aircraft have killed at least 17 suspected militants in the South Waziristan region bordering Afghanistan.

Pakistani officials are quoted as saying two missiles hit a suspected militant compound and a nearby Islamic seminary near Wana, the main town of South Waziristan. At least 14 suspected militants reportedly were killed in that attack.

Meanwhile, Pakistani officials say another drone missile attack hit a vehicle, killing at least three militants in a village on the border between South and North Waziristan, about 50 kilometers from Wana.

It was the second series of reported U.S. drone strikes in the tribal frontier region in less than a week.

Late on June 3, a missile strike in South Waziristan is thought to have killed Ilyas Kashmiri, described as a top Al-Qaeda commander.

Authorities are still trying to confirm his death.

compiled from agency reports