Pakistani officials say a suspected U.S. drone strike has killed 10 people in the country's northwest tribal region near the border with Afghanistan.

Officials say two missiles hit a compound suspected of belonging to militants in the North Waziristan tribal area. Security officials say the dead included some foreign and local militants.

The Associated Press reports that the area is home to Hafiz Gul Bahadur, a prominent militant commander who has focused on fighting foreign troops in Afghanistan.

Pakistan has publicly condemned drone strikes as a violation of its sovereignty, although they are believed to be carried out with the help of Pakistani intelligence.

Last month, U.S. President Barack Obama defended the strikes saying they enhance the U.S. ability to respect the sovereignty of countries and limit incursions into their territory.