Five killed in drone attack in Pakistan

ISLAMABAD - At least five suspected militants were killed Sunday in a US drone attack in Pakistan’s North Waziristan region bordering Afghanistan.

A pilotless US drone fired two missiles at a vehicle near Mirali village in the tribal area, Dunya TV reported. It was not known whether any high-profile target was killed.

US drones have killed more than 1,670 suspected militants in over 200 attacks in the northwestern tribal region since 2004. The number of attacks has increased in 2010. More than 700 suspected terrorists have been killed in over 100 attacks this year.

The US had asked Pakistan to allow drone strikes in the southwestern Balochistan province as well. Fearing adverse public reaction, Islamabad has rejected the request.