Pakistan often criticizes the attacks as violations of the country's sovereignty, but the government is widely believed to help the US carry out the strikes. -File Photo

MIRAMSHAH: US drones carried out three attacks in North Waziristan on Sunday, killing 12 people, sources said. Vehicles were targeted in the strikes.

Three missiles hit a double-cabin pick-up on Dermano Road in Lowara Mandai area near the Afghan border, the sources said, adding that four people travelling in the vehicle were killed.

A jeep was attacked near Dand Kali area with two missiles, witnesses said. Five people were killed.

Three people were killed when missiles targeted a car in Sherani area.

The identity of those killed could not be ascertained, the sources said, adding that foreigners were among the dead.

AP adds: The US is now suspected of conducting 19 such attacks this month – the most intense barrage since the strikes began in 2004.

Most have targeted Datta Khel, part of the North Waziristan tribal area that is dominated by militants who the West believes regularly stage attacks against Nato troops in Afghanistan.