Officials in Pakistan say a suspected U.S. drone strike has killed three militants near the Afghan border.

Officials say drone missiles hit a militant compound Sunday in Miran Shah, the main town in North Waziristan, known as a stronghold of Taliban and al-Qaida militants.

Pakistan has repeatedly criticized U.S. drone attacks as a violation of its sovereignty.

U.S. officials have said the strikes are an important tool in defeating militants.