Islamabad  - A suspected US missile strike killed at least 10 Taliban militants Wednesday in Pakistan's tribal region near the Afghan border, an intelligence official said.

Two missiles believed to have been fired by a US drone hit a compound in Khadezai village of the Orakzai Agency, one of seven lawless tribal districts known to serve as sanctuaries for al-Qaeda and Taliban militants.

"Preliminary reports reaching us say 10 militants have been killed in the attack," the official said on condition of anonymity. Around 15 other people were also wounded.

According to the official, the death toll could rise as some of the injured were said to be in critical condition and debris was still to be removed at the site.

Armed militants cordoned off the area following the missile attack.

Nearly three dozen US airstrikes have targeted suspected militant hideouts in Pakistan's tribal region since August 2008, killing more than 300 people, including some key insurgents. (dpa)