DERA ISMAIL KHAN, Pakistan – Four suspected US missile strikes in northwestern Pakistan in less than 24 hours killed at least 42 alleged militants, an unusually heavy barrage at a time when relations between the two countries are badly strained, Pakistani intelligence officials said yesterday.

The strikes follow the Obama administration’s announcement that it is suspending more than one-third of US military aid to Pakistan until disagreements are worked out. The attacks indicate the White House has no intention of stopping the drone program even though the attacks have increasingly caused tension with Pakistan.

The barrage began late Monday when suspected US missiles hit a house in Gorvak village in North Waziristan, killing at least 20 alleged militants, said two Pakistani intelligence officials. Two other Pakistani intelligence officials put the death toll at 23. The village is very close to the border and is often used as a route for militants to cross into Afghanistan.

http://www.boston.com/news/world/asia/articles/2011/07/13/us_strikes_in_pakistan_follow_aid_cut_kill_42/