By JERUSALEM POST STAFF
Shrapnel that appeared to be from an American-made missile was found at the house where Pakistan said a top al-Qaida operative was killed in an explosion, although US President George W. Bush's national security adviser declined to confirm the death.
US and Pakistani officials would not confirm an NBC television report, citing anonymous officials, that the attack on the house where Hamza Rabia reportedly died was launched by a US drone.
But local residents on Sunday found at least two pieces of shrapnel at the blast scene inscribed with the designation of the Hellfire missile, which is carried by the US Air Force's unmanned, remote-controlled Predator aircraft.
A man who lives near the house said he heard at least two detonations and saw a white streak of light before a missile hit the house, sparking a huge explosion.