By Associated Press DERA ISMAIL KHAN, Pakistan -- A suspected U.S. missile strike targeted two areas in a Pakistani tribal region near the Afghan border Thursday, killing at least nine people, intelligence officials said. The strikes appeared to be part of a surge in U.S.

A burqa-clad suicide bomber set off a blast that killed at least 15 people Monday at a crowded police checkpoint in northwestern Pakistan, police said.

Government forces attacked two militant bases with helicopter gunships and artillery Tuesday in some of the army's toughest action in the lawless Afghan border region since militant attacks began surging last month. Spokesman Maj. Gen.

Suspected militants attacked security forces in northwest Pakistan Wednesday, killing 16 soldiers and wounding up to 21 others in two separate strikes against military convoys, officials said.

ISLAMABAD (Reuters) - A roadside bomb in Pakistan's North Waziristan region on the Afghan border killed three paramilitary troops and wounded three on Wednesday, a government official said.