Pakistan has summoned the US ambassador to receive a formal protest over missile strikes by pilotless drone aircraft against militant targets on Pakistani soil.
Pakistan's army chief has also called for a halt to missile attacks on Pakistani territory by pilotless drone aircraft operated by Western forces in Afghanistan.
Yesterday, a suspected US missile strike killed five militants, possibly including an Arab al-Qaeda operative. Missile-armed drones are primarily used by US forces in the region, although the United States seldom confirms drone attacks.
Wednesday's attack on Bannu district, bordering North Waziristan, was unusual in that it took place deeper in Pakistani territory in an area outside the semi-autonomous tribal lands bordering Afghanistan.
Pakistan says the attacks violate its sovereignty, make it harder to justify the alliance with the United States in a country rife with anti-American sentiment, and undermine efforts to win public support for the fight against militancy.
The restatement of opposition to the air strikes follows a denial by the foreign ministry that Pakistan had a secret agreement with Washington to publicly protest the attacks, while privately agreeing to them.
US strikes have focused on North and South Waziristan where at least 20 missile attacks and a cross-border commando raid have killed scores of people since September.
Reuters