Despite Islamabad's objections, the U.S. seems to have stepped up its drone campaign inside Pakistan. Drones visited the tribal areas of Pakistan adjoining Afghanistan for the second time this week; drawing a sharp protest from the Foreign Office.
According to local media reports, the drones fired four missiles at a compound in the Shawal Valley of North Waziristan; reportedly killing 10 terrorists. The compound was apparently being used as a training ground by terrorists. Since much of this tribal agency is a no-go area for most Pakistanis details of drone strikes coming out of these areas are sketchy.
Condemning the drone attacks, Foreign Office in a statement pointed out that Pakistan has consistently maintained that these illegal attacks are a violation of its sovereignty and territorial integrity, and are in contravention of international law. "It is our considered view that the strategic disadvantages of such attacks far outweigh their tactical advantages, and are therefore, totally counterproductive."
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Immediate cessation of drone attacks was one of the main conditions put forth by Parliament while framing new guidelines for re-engagement with the U.S. after bilateral relations went into a freeze following the NATO attacks on a Pakistan military outpost in Salala along the border with Afghanistan in November.