Islamabad, July 24 (ANI): A U.S. drone strike has reportedly killed at least 12 suspected militants in Shawal area of Pakistan's North Waziristan Agency, intelligence officials have said.

According to the Daily Times, the targeted compound was in Dray Nashtar village, some 65 kilometres west of North Waziristan's main town, Miranshah, known to be a haven for Taliban militants.

A fire erupted in the compound after some four to six missiles hit it, a local tribesman said.

Shawal is a remote area of forested ridges and valleys that spreads out on both sides of the border and has long been known as a haven for militants from Pakistan, Afghanistan and beyond.

Local residents said militants pulled out the dead bodies and those of wounded colleagues after cordoning the area around the compound.

In a drone attack at the start of July, six militants were killed, and an attack on June 4 killed 15 militants, including senior Al-Qaeda figure Abu Yahya al-Libi. (ANI)