Civilians and police were among those killed when missiles fired by a drone ploughed into a compound in Datta Khel town, the main town in tribal North Waziristan.

"COAS, Kayani, strongly condemns the Predator strike carried out today in North Waziristan resulting into loss of innocent lives," the military said in a statement.

"It is highly regrettable that a jirga of peaceful citizens including elders of the area was carelessly and callously targeted with complete disregard to human life." he said