The provocative strike marks a further escalation of US operations against alleged Islamist militants inside Pakistan. By extending its targets beyond the semi-autonomous FATA region, Washington threatens to destabilise broader areas of the country. Since August, there have been at least 20 missile attacks inside the border areas that have intensified anti-US sentiment and hostility to the Pakistani government.

Unnamed US and Pakistani intelligence officials claim that all of those killed in the latest attack were Islamist militants connected to the armed resistance to the US-led occupation of Afghanistan. A senior Pakistani military officer told the Associated Press that "the Americans are very confident" that a senior Al Qaeda member identified as Abdullah Azam Al-Saudi was among the dead.

However, local villagers and police said that a number of civilians were among the casualties. According to the Daily Times, the predawn attack killed at least two locals including Hakeem, the son of Dilbar Khan whose house was destroyed. The New York Times reported that four civilians, including a child, were injured and taken to the Mission Hospital in the nearby town of Bannu for treatment.

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http://wsws.org/articles/2008/nov2008/paki-n21.shtml