Pakistani officials say two U.S. drone missile strikes killed six militants Wednesday in the tribal region along the Afghan border.
The strikes, which hit vehicles in South Waziristan, were the first reported drone strikes since a controversial March 17 attack that killed up to 40 people.
Pakistan's army chief, General Ashfaq Kayani, strongly condemned the March incident, underscoring recent tension between Pakistan and the United States.
The NewYork Times reported Tuesday that Kayani has also asked the United States to halt the drone strikes altogether, saying they had gotten out of control.
Until now, Pakistani government officials had publicly denounced the drone strikes as a violation of the country's sovereignty, while quietly providing intelligence for the attacks.
Ties were strained this year when Pakistan detained a CIA contractor accused of killing to Pakistani men in Lahore. The U.S. said Raymond Davis had diplomatic immunity and acted in self defense. He was released after the victims' families accepted compensation.
But, the case stirred anti-American sentiment in Pakistan. U.S. officials say leaders from both countries are working to improve relations.
Some information for this report was provided by AFP and Reuters.