20 killed in raid by US-led forces

US and Afghan troops emerged from the helicopters, searched several houses and shot dead 20 people, witnesses and official sources told TV channels.

At least five women and four children were among the dead, according to media reports.

North West Frontier Province Governor Owais Ahmed Ghani condemned the attack as a 8220;direct assault8221; on Pakistan8217;s sovereignty.

Previous attacks by US-led forces on the Pakistani side of the border were carried out by pilot-less drones armed with missiles. The use of ground troops prompted speculation that the strike was aimed at an important terrorist target.

A Pakistani Army spokesman confirmed the attack but did not say whether any foreign forces were involved. Among those killed in the raid were nine members of the family of local tribesman Taj Muhammad, Geo News channel reported. Those injured in the attack were taken to a nearby hospital.