US President Barack Obama has confirmed that unmanned drones regularly strike suspected militants in Pakistan 's tribal areas. Mr. Obama called the strikes a targeted focussed effort at people who are on a list of active terrorists.
The US does not routinely speak publicly about drone operations. Mr. Obama made his comments during an hour-long video hangout on Google's social network.
More than 130,000 questions were submitted before the hangout began, and six people were invited to join the president online for the event.
They were able to ask questions and seek follow-up answers from Mr. Obama.
The event ended a week of social media engagement in the wake of Mr. Obama's State of the Union address on 24 January.
Meanwhile, Pakistan said the drone attacks are unlawful, counterproductive and hence unacceptable.
Foreign ministry spokesman Abdul Basit said our view has always been very clear and position principled.
