The missile attack took place in Babar Ghar village in South Waziristan.

"US drones fired several missiles at two militant compounds. At least eight militants have been killed and several others were wounded," a security official in Miranshah told AFP.

"There are members of militant group among those who have been killed. We are trying to ascertain the identities of the others but the bodies have been burnt very badly," the official said and added that death toll may rise.

Another security official in Peshawar confirmed the drone attacks and casualties.

Intelligence officials in Miranshah said they had received reports that 12 militants had died after US drones fired up to 10 missiles on three militant compounds in the Babar Ghar attack, but other officials could not verify that account.

Residents said that militants had cordoned off the area and were looking for more dead or wounded in the debris.