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

Officials say the missiles hit a compound in the North Waziristan tribal area. The identities of those killed is not yet known, but the Associated Press reports that the area is home to Hafiz Gul Bahadur, a prominent military 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.