It was also not known who fired the missiles but this year U.S.-controlled Predator drones have struck at several sites used by al Qaeda operatives in northwest Pakistan, killing dozens of suspected militants.

The missiles hit a house in the town of Wana that was owned by a man known to have connections with foreign militants. He and several other people were wounded, said the security official, who declined to be identified.

Increased militant violence in Pakistan over the past year has caused concern among investors in Pakistan worried about political stability and foreign allies such as the United States.

This week’s resignation of firm U.S. ally President Pervez Musharraf under threat of impeachment from the ruling coalition has raised questions about Pakistan’s support for the unpopular U.S.-led campaign against militancy.

But the coalition government has vowed to tackle it.

A Pakistani military spokesman confirmed a blast had taken place in Wana.

“There was an explosion and several casualties were reported but we don’t know if it was a mortar attack or a bomb or missile,” said the spokesman, Major-General Athar Abbas.

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