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PAKISTAN - Missile strikes kill 42

Published:Wednesday | July 13, 2011 | 12:00 AM
Pakistan army troops arrive to secure an area after an explosion in an army ammunition depot in Sihala on the outskirts of Islamabad, Pakistan, on Monday. An explosion at a Pakistani army ammunition depot on the outskirts of Islamabad killed one soldier and injured three others, security officials said. - AP

 DERA ISMAIL KHAN (AP):

Four suspected United States missile strikes in northwestern Pakistan within 24 hours killed at least 42 alleged militants, an unusually heavy barrage at a time when relations between the two countries are badly strained, Pakistani intelligence officials said yesterday.

The strikes follow the Obama administration's announcement that it is suspending more than one-third of US military aid to Pakistan until disagreements are worked out. The attacks indicate the White House has no intention of stopping the drone program even though the attacks have increasingly caused tension with Pakistan.

The barrage began late Monday when suspected US missiles hit a house in Gorvak village in North Waziristan, killing at least 20 alleged militants, said two Pakistani intelligence officials. Two other Pakistani intelligence officials put the death toll at 23. The village is very close to the border and is often used as a route for militants to cross into Afghanistan.

Missiles also hit a house in the Dremala village of South Waziristan tribal area on Tuesday, killing at least eight alleged militants, said two Pakistani intelligence officials. Two other intelligence officials put the death toll from the strike at 13.

Also yesterday, suspected US missiles hit a house in Shawal area of North Waziristan, killing 10 alleged militants, and a car was struck in the Datta Khel area of North Waziristan hours later, killing four alleged militants, Pakistani intelligence officials said.