US steps up attacks

The United States has unleashed an unprecedented number of missile attacks by unmanned drones in northwest Pakistan over the past two weeks, including one yesterday that targeted Pakistani Taleban chief Hakimullah Mehsud and killed 12 alleged militants in what was once a religious school. The barrage is seen as a sign of the Obama Administration's intent to press ahead with a tactic that has killed scores of militants over the past two years but is also raising anger in a nation allied with the United States. Mehsud escaped unhurt, Pakistani officials and militants said.