Haqqani commander 'killed' in Pakistan drone strike

A top commander of the Haqqani militant network has been killed in a US drone strike in the Pakistani tribal area of North Waziristan, a US official says.

Janbaz Zadran "played a central role in helping the Haqqani network attack US and coalition targets" in Afghanistan, the official told the BBC.

The US blames the Haqqanis for attacks including one on the US embassy and Nato in Kabul last month.

Pakistan's restive tribal area is frequently targeted by drones.

Many insurgents - from the Taliban as well as the Haqqani network - have taken shelter there.

In line with US policy, the official did not confirm reports earlier today that the killing was the result of a strike from an American-operated drone aircraft.

"His death in Miram Shah makes him the most senior Haqqani leader in Pakistan to be taken off the battlefield," the official said.