The pre-dawn missile strike was carried out near Miranshah, the main town of North Waziristan Agency that is described as a stronghold of Taliban and Al Qaeda elements.
The CIA-operated spy plane fired two missiles at the compound.
Officials told the media that those killed in the attack were Punjabi militants.
Thick smoke was seen emanating from the compound after the strike.
Local residents said several drones were seen flying over the area after the strike.
The frequency of drone strikes has increased since President Barack Obama took office in 2008.
More than 100 attacks were reported in the tribal belt last year and over 60 have been carried out this year.
Published 15 November 2011, 03:02 IST