U.S .Drone Strike Kills Seven In Pakistan

Pakistani officials say a suspected U.S. drone strike has killed seven people in the country's restive northwest.

Speaking on condition of anonymity, officials said the strike occurred on the night of June 7 in the Shawal area along the border dividing the North and South Waziristan tribal agencies, near the Afghan border, which is a known stronghold for Al-Qaeda and Taliban militants

The drone strike came just two days after Nawaz Sharif was sworn in as prime minister.

Now starting a historic third term as the country's premier, Sharif has called for an end to U.S. drone attacks, saying they violate Pakistan's sovereignty.

Sharif had also publicly criticized the drone strike that killed Taliban deputy leader Waliur Rehman last week.

Many Pakistanis oppose the drone attacks, saying they cause large civilian casualties and breed extremism among those seeking retribution.


Based on reporting by AP and AFP