UK militant 'killed in Pakistan strike'

Updated 14.33 Sat Nov 22 2008

Keywords: al-qaeda, strike, US, militant, Rauf, Rashid, Pakistan

A British militant linked to a plot to blow up transatlantic airliners has reportedly been killed in Pakistan.

Rashid Rauf, born in Birmingham, is said to be among five victims who died in the attack launched by a suspected US pilotless drone aircraft.

Rashif Rauf, born in Birmingham, is said to be among five victims who died in the attack launched by a suspected US pilotless drone aircraft

Intelligence officers in the region said the militant, who was considered a key figure in the foiled terror plot, had been killed, although there was no official confirmation.

Rauf was on the run after being jailed in Pakistan in 2006. He had travelled to the country in 2002 after the murder of an uncle in Britain and his extradition was originally sought by Britain in connection with the murder.

The latest US missile strike targeted a house near the town of Mir Ali, and came just days after Pakistan lodged a protest with the US ambassador over missile attacks on its territory.

Villages around Mir Ali have been targeted several times as the area has been a hive of Taliban and al-Qaeda activity in the past.

Pakistan says the attacks violate its sovereignty.

An earlier diplomatic storm blew up after a US commando raid in early September, and there has been no incursion by ground troops since.