Pakistan Says 12 Militants Killed In U.S. Drone Strike

MIRANSHAH, Pakistan -- Authorities in Pakistan say a U.S. drone attack in the tribal region of South Waziristan has killed at least 12 suspected militants.

Security officials told RFE/RL's Radio Mashaal that the attack took place in the early hours of January 6, with up to 12 missiles targeting what was believed to be militants' hideouts in the village of Babar Ghar.

The identity of the militants has not been established, but Babar Ghar is seen as a stronghold of the Pakistani Taliban.

It was the third suspected U.S. drone strike in Pakistan in five days.

Islamabad objects to the use of U.S. drones, which it blames for the deaths of hundreds of civilians.

Pakistan is due to convene a United Nations Security Council debate on the effectiveness of international counterterrorism policies on January 15.

With reporting by AFP and AP