The attack was carried out in the Shawal area of North Waziristan, one of seven districts where al-Qaeda-linked Taliban militants are active.

An intelligence official said that the drone fired at least two missiles at a house that was allegedly used by the militants.

"Two rooms of the compound were completely destroyed, and at least nine people present inside at the time of the attack were killed," the official said on condition of anonymity. Another security official said that there were reports that some

foreigners were among those killed, but their nationality was not yet known. The strike was 3 kilometers from the Afghan border.

The drone campaign has been a source of tension between Islamabadand Washington, as Pakistan believes that the attacks increase militancy. The US has refused to halt such strikes, saying the unmanned aircraft has helped to kill several top militants. DPA