In Pakistan, local residents say eighteen people have been killed in a US attack in the Bajaur region. The dead included several civilians and foreign militants. Taliban spokesperson Maulvi Omar said he’s certain the strike came from a US drone.

Maulvi Omar: “We are absolutely certain that these aircraft were US drones, the ones that NATO forces use in Afghanistan. It is a shame that our boundaries are being crossed and foreign aircraft violate our airspace. But
God willing, we will avenge this brutality very soon.”

The attack would be at least the fourth by a US drone in Pakistan this year. The Pakistani government is currently negotiating with militant groups on a peace agreement. The Bush administration has opposed the talks.