Terror network al-Qaeda's chief of Pakistan operations Abu Hafs al-Shahri has been killed earlier this week in Waziristan, Pakistan, U.S. media quoted a senior administration official as saying on Thursday.

"Abu Hafs' death removes a key threat inside Pakistan, where he collaborated closely with Tehrik-e Taliban Pakistan to conduct coordinated attacks," the official was quoted as saying.

The official said Abu Hafs' death will "further degrade al- Qaeda's ability to recover" from the killing in August of the group's number two Atiyah Abd al-Rahman because of his operations experience and connections within the group.

It was reported a drone fired two missiles at a car in Mir Ali, North Waziristan, on Sunday, killing three militants. U.S. administration does not confirm the use of predator drones, as it is part of a secret mission.