The funeral was targeted in a drone attack but the Pakistani Taliban leader is reported to have missed being killed by a few hours.

CNN: Pakistani Taliban leader may be dead after U.S. drone attack

Al-Awlaki has since been killed in a U.S. drone attack in Yemen, in what was termed a major victory in the U.S. efforts against al Qaeda.

CENTERFORSECURITYPOLICY: gty_kimberly_munley_nt_130213_wg

Earlier this week, reports from the area said a senior al-Qaeda leader - Sheikh Fate al-Masri - had been killed in a drone attack in North Waziristan.

BBC: Al-Qaeda terror plot targeting Europe uncovered

The visit comes days after a drone attack that killed Pakistan militant leader Mullah Nazir, who was accused of sending fighters to Afghanistan to support the Taliban.

BBC: Afghan 'zero option' raised as Karzai set for Obama

Mr Karzai's visit comes days after a drone attack that killed Pakistan militant leader Mullah Nazir, who was accused of sending fighters to Afghanistan to support the Taliban.

BBC: British soldier killed by Afghan army gunman in Helmand

The first U.S. armed drone attack, which appears to be the first such strike ever, took place in mid-November 2001 and killed the military commander of al Qaeda, Mohammed Atef, in Afghanistan.

CNN: A dangerous new world of drones

If, for example, the drone from which the fatal attack on Atef was launched had sensed that his car was overtaking a school bus, it might then have held fire.

ECONOMIST: Monitor