Islamabad, Jul 29 (IANS): Pakistan Monday strongly condemned the latest US drone strike in North Waziristan tribal region which killed at least six people.

The American spy aircraft fired missiles on a compound of suspected militants in Shawal area of North Waziristan, one of Pakistan's seven tribal regions, late Sunday.

"These unilateral strikes are a violation of Pakistan's sovereignty and territorial integrity," the foreign ministry said.

A ministry statement said Pakistan had repeatedly emphasized the importance of bringing an immediate end to drone strikes.

"Pakistan has consistently maintained that drone strikes are counter-productive, entail loss of innocent civilian lives and have human rights and humanitarian implications," the statement said.

The foreign ministry said the US drone strikes set dangerous precedents in the inter-state relations.

"These drone strikes have a negative impact on the mutual desire of both countries to forge a cordial and cooperative relationship and to ensure peace and stability in the region," the statement said.

Sunday's strike was the fourth US drone attack since Nawaz Sharif assumed office as prime minister last month.