The Obama administration has stepped up drone strikes against al Qaeda and Taliban militants in Pakistan`s tribal border areas in an effort to stabilise Afghanistan before the end of 2014, when all NATO combat troops are due to leave.
The commanders killed in the strike belonged to the Maulvi Nazir faction of Pakistan`s Taliban, which carries out cross-border attacks from its strongholds in South Waziristan.
The group threatened in June to escalate attacks on U.S. troops in the NATO-led coalition in Afghanistan in response to intensified drone strikes on its territory.
Four of the commanders killed by the remotely piloted drone were identified as Hazrat Omar, Nazir`s younger brother, Khan Mohammad, Miraj Wazir and Ashfaq Wazir. The group did not name the fifth.
Local intelligence officials said three Nazir commanders were among six people killed in the strike. The reports could not be verified independently.
U.S. drones have killed high-profile al Qaeda and Taliban leaders in Pakistan`s restive tribal regions, where militants such as al Qaeda, the Taliban and Arab fighters train and plan attacks.
The New America Foundation think tank estimates at least 325 militants have been killed in U.S. drone strikes in Pakistan this year.
Pakistani leaders say drone strikes inflame widespread anti-American sentiment in Pakistan and play into the hands of militants. (*)
Editor: Kunto Wibisono
Copyright © ANTARA 2011
