Pakistani intelligence officials say a suspected U.S. missile strike has killed nine people in northwest Pakistan.

Authoritiessay at least four missiles hit near two villages west of Wana, a majortown near the Afghan border in Pakistan's South Waziristan region.

SuspectedU.S. drones are reported to have launched at least30 missile attacks in Pakistan since the middle of last year, despitepublic objections by the Pakistani government.

The targeted South Waziristan region is believed to be home to many al-Qaida and Taliban leaders.

Pakistan'smilitary said Tuesday that it is preparing for a new military offensivein South Waziristan against Pakistani Taliban leader Baitullah Mehsud.

Mehsudis one of the most wanted militants in Pakistan for scores of attacksagainst government and civilian targets. He is also believed to be akey facilitator for al-Qaida fighters in the country.

Reportsfrom South Waziristan say some residents have fled their homes inanticipation of violence. An estimated 2.5 million people already havefled fighting in Pakistan's northwest since the military began battlingTaliban fighters in the greater Swat valley more than a month ago.


Some information for this report was provided by AFP and Reuters.