Pakistan condemns US drone strike in North Waziristan

ISLAMABAD: In a delayed reaction to the US drone attack in North Waziristan, Pakistan today termed it as a violation of its sovereignty.

Seven militants were killed yesterday when pilot-less aircraft fired two missiles at a house in Dattakhel area of the troubled tribal region where army launched operation in June to clear it of militants.

The Pakistan Foreign Office (FO) said in a statement that government of Pakistan "condemns the incident of US drone strike".

"Pakistan regards such strikes as a violation of its sovereignty and territorial integrity. These strikes also have a negative impact on the government's efforts to bring peace and stability in Pakistan and the region," it said.

The FO also said that Pakistan expected immediate cessation of such strikes.

The routine condemnations have little impact on the US drone campaign which was started in June after a hiatus of six months to let Pakistan hold talks with the Taliban.