President Barack Obama has defended the use of unmanned drone aircraft to kill suspected militants in Pakistan’s tribal areas.

In unusually candid remarks, Mr Obama said the strikes targeted “people who are on a list of active terrorists”.

Pakistan says drone raids violate its sovereignty, although it is believed to have given them its tacit support.

The US government does not routinely speak publicly about drone operations, which have killed hundreds in recent years.

Mr Obama made his comments during an hour-long video “hangout” on Google’s social network, Google+, which was also streamed live on YouTube.

Laura Lynch reports from Pakistan.