PAKISTAN - Army chief condemns US drone attack

Mir Ali (AP):

Pakistan's army chief has condemned a United States drone attack that killed more than three dozen people, saying the missiles struck a peaceful meeting of tribal elders.

General Ashfaq Parvez Kayani called Thursday's strike "unjustified and intolerable" and said it was a violation of human rights.

Pakistani intelligence officials initially said the 38 people killed in a compound in the North Waziristan tribal area were militants meeting to discuss the war in Afghanistan.

They spoke on condition of anonymity because they were not authorised to talk to reporters.

Civilian casualties from drone strikes are a main source of friction between the Pakistani and US governments.

Pakistani villagers visit a building destroyed by a bomb explosion in Hangu, Pakistan, killing many people yesterday.