ISLAMABAD: Pakistani intelligence officials have confirmed that a US drone strike near the Afghan border last week killed the son of the founder of the powerful Haqqani militant network.  

The officials said Badruddin Haqqani was killed Aug 24 in one of three strikes that hit militant hideouts in the Shawal area of the North Waziristan tribal region.

They did not specify which strike killed him, but said he was leaving the hideout when the missiles hit.

The officials spoke anonymously Thursday because they were not authorised to talk to media.

Afghanistan's intelligence agency confirmed Haqqani's death earlier, but did not provide details.

Haqqani's death would be a serious blow to the militant organisation founded by his father, Jalaluddin Haqqani. He has been described as the group's day-to-day operations commander.