Islamabad, Mar. 22 : Despite Pakistan showing serious discontent over the US led drone strikes in the tribal regions of the country, the United States has said that the missile hits would continue, as they had been successful in sanitizing several top Al-Qaeda operatives.

The Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) chief, Leon Panetta, who arrived here on Saturday, has clarified the Obama Administration's stance over the issue.

"He (Panetta) refused to end the drone attacks in Pakistan, saying a number of top Al Qaeda leaders have been killed in the assaults," top diplomatic sources said.

According to The Daily Times, Panetta, however, vowed to strengthen the interaction and intelligence sharing between the US Army and Pak security forces.

Panetta met President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani to discuss several issues including the progress into the Mumbai terror attacks probe.

The Swat peace truce between the government and the Taliban was also discussed during the meeting.

The CIA chief also met Pak Prime Minister's Advisor on Interior Affairs Rehman Malik, Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi, the US ambassador in Pakistan Ann W. Patterson, and the Director General of Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) Lt General Shuja Pasha. (ANI)