Earlier on Saturday, 12 people were killed in a drone attack in Shawal Valley. Official and tribal sources said unmanned CIA-operated spy planes fired four missiles that hit two vehicles. The sources said local people were on their way to the Mana village from the Afghan border when they were attacked.

“The vehicles caught fire after being hit by the drones. The bodies of seven persons were recovered from the vehicles, but they were mutilated beyond recognition,” a tribal elder said.

He said four seriously injured persons were brought to Miranshah for treatment.

In the second attack, six people were killed and five others injured when a US drone hit a house in Mana village. An official, who wished to remain anonymous, said six people died on the spot and five others were seriously injured.

Tribal sources said the death toll could rise as the injured persons were said to be in serious condition. A tribesman in Miranshah said around 12 planes were hovering over the town, creating panic among the people.