Islamabad, Feb 24 (DPA) A suspected US drone attack on a Taliban hideout in Pakistan's north-western tribal area killed at least five people Wednesday, security officials and local media said.

The strike occurred in Dande Darpakhel village of the North Waziristan district, which borders Afghanistan and is believed to be a stronghold of militants who launch attacks on US and NATO troops.

'Two missiles were fired at a suspected place, killing five militants and injuring two others,' said a security official, who spoke on the condition of anonymity.

A similar attack in the region earlier this month reportedly killed a brother of senior Afghan Taliban leader Sirajuddin Haqqani.

The US military has stepped its aerial campaign in the area, as Taliban have allegedly set up sanctuaries there after being pushed out of neighbouring South Waziristan by the army in mid-October.

Pakistan, a key US ally, has repeatedly protested the airstrikes, saying they violate the country's sovereignty. But analysts believe the government has a tacit understanding with the US over the issue.