More than 20 people were killed in two apparent US missile strikes in northwest Pakistan near the Afghan border Oct. 31. An al-Qaeda leader identified as Abu Kasha or Abu Akash, previously believed to be in Iraq, was reported killed in the attack near the village of Mirali, North Waziristan. Two hours later, a second set of missiles hit a village in South Waziristan, killing seven, including an unspecified number of foreign fighters, Pakistani officials said. US military authorities had no immediate comment.

The apparent strikes came two days after Pakistan's Foreign Ministry formally protested the US attacks in a letter to the Embassy. "It was underscored to the ambassador that the government of Pakistan strongly condemns the missile attacks which resulted in the loss of precious lives and property," the ministry statement said. (BBC, The Gaudrian, Oct. 31)

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