A security official said the house was being used by "fighters" from Pakistan's Punjab province.

Another official speaking on condition of anonymity said the attack targeted a house where three people were killed. He gave no details.

A security official confirmed that death toll, saying that five other people were wounded. The targeted house, belonging to a local tribesman, was "destroyed in the strike," he said.

The United States began launching more drone attacks last year despite Pskistan's repeated "criticisms."

Since then, about 35 U.S. strikes have killed about 350 people, according to reports from Pakistani officials, residents and fighters.


Agencies