The New Nation - Internet Edition

AP, Khar

Suspected Islamic militants have killed a Pakistani soldier in revenge for an alleged U.S. missile strike near the Afghan border, an official said Friday.

Authorities found the bullet-riddled body of the paramilitary soldier early Friday about 6 miles north of Damadola, a village in the northwestern tribal region of Bajur.

An explosion destroyed a house in the village on Wednesday, killing about a dozen people. Residents and the provincial governor said it was caused by a missile.

Mawaz Khan, a government official in Bajur, said a letter found near the soldier's body said the soldier was killed by militants to avenge the alleged strike. The note included a warning for tribal elders that they would meet the same fate if they cooperate with Pakistani authorities.

"The killing of this soldier is our revenge for the American missile attack," Khan said, quoting from the letter.