Missiles strike militant compound in Pakistan

US missiles have struck a Taliban compound in a north-west Pakistani militant stronghold near the Afghan border, killing three people.

Shahab Ali Shah, the top administrative official from South Waziristan tribal region, said the blasts early today were caused by US missiles. Five people also were wounded.

An intelligence official confirmed the assessment that missiles were involved.

The US has escalated its use of missile strikes against militant targets in Pakistan’s north-west since August. Pakistan has protested the strikes, saying they inflame anti-American sentiment.