Drone hit kills six in Pakistan

Six people have died in a second missile strike by a suspected US drone in as many days in north-west Pakistan, officials and residents say.

At least three to four missiles hit a suspected training camp for militants in South Waziristan early on Wednesday, witnesses said.

At least 12 militants were killed in a similar attack in the area on Tuesday.

The attacks are targeting a stronghold of Pakistan's top Taliban commander, Baitullah Mehsud, in South Waziristan.

There have been dozens of such strikes since last August, killing hundreds of militants and civilians.

Most of the strikes have taken place in the tribal regions of North and South Waziristan.

The strikes come at a time when the Pakistani government is engaged in operations against the Taliban commander in South Waziristan.

Critical

Eyewitnesses said the missiles were fired at a training camp in the mountainous Karwan Manza area, some 10km south-east of Ladha town in South Waziristan.

The area has forest cover and is said to house several residential and training facilities for militants loyal to Mr Mehsud.

Pakistan has seen several drone strikes in the past one year. Last month, a suspected drone struck twice within hours killing more than 60 people - most of them militants who had gathered for the funeral of those killed in the first strike.

Pakistan has been publicly critical of drone attacks, arguing that they kill civilians and fuel support for the militants.

The US military does not routinely confirm drone attacks but the armed forces and the Central Intelligence Agency operating in Afghanistan are believed to be the only forces capable of deploying drones in the region.

In March, US President Barack Obama said his government would consult Pakistan on drone attacks.