Eds: Increases death toll (previous news was posted at 10:32)
Suspected unmanned US aircraft on Friday fired five missiles into a house in north-western Pakistan, killing at least 20 people, intelligence officials said, DPA reported.
The pre-dawn missile strike took place in the Spinwam area of the North Waziristan district near the Afghan border, a known hotbed of Taliban and al-Qaeda militants.
"Five missiles were fired from two drones, and the attack demolished the compound," said an intelligence official who requested anonymity. "Twenty people, including five children and three women have been killed."
A second intelligence official said that the compound was used by the local Taliban militants for meetings.
The United States has intensified its drone campaign against suspected militant hideouts in Pakistan's tribal region in recent years. More than 650 people died last year in around 100 suspected US missile attacks, which are highly unpopular in Pakistan.
Its government has repeatedly protested the airstrikes, particularly since March 17 when a missile killed more than 40 civilians in North Waziristan.
On Thursday, Pakistan's military chief, General Ashfaq Parvez Kayani, said in a statement that drone attacks "not only undermine our national effort against terrorism but turn the public's support against our efforts, which remains the key to success."
Many analysts believe that Pakistani intelligence agencies covertly cooperate with their US counterparts in identifying targets.