US drone strike kills senior Haqqani and Taliban leaders in Pakistan

Senior Haqqani Network and Taliban leaders were killed following a US drone strike in North Waziristan on Thursday morning.

The Haqqani Network commander killed in the drone strike was recognized as Haji Gul, Pakistani intelligence officials said.

The officials further added that the airstrike was carried out in Dand-i-Darpakhel area early Thursday morning which targeted some vehicles laden with explosives.

The senior Taliban commanders who were killed during the airstrike were recognized as Mutifi Sofian and Abu Bakar, the officials said.

According to Pakistani intelligence officials, the militants were plotting an attack and were on their way across the border when they were targeted.

A number of other senior Taliban commanders including Yasin Gardezi, Abdullah Khan, Commander Jamil, Commander Asadullah and driver Noor Khan were also killed, the officials said.

The Haqqani Network and Taliban militant group have not commented regarding the report so far.