Nov. 21 (Bloomberg) -- Pakistan successfully tested a short- range, surface-to-air missile capable of destroying drones, the country's military said, two days after protesting to the U.S. over attacks on its territory by the unmanned aircraft.

``The elements of army air defense demonstrated their shooting skills by targeting drones flying at different altitudes,'' according to a statement posted today on the military's Web site. The test took place during an exercise that also involved the use of radar-controlled guns.

The government in Islamabad summoned U.S. Ambassador Anne W. Patterson on Nov. 19, for the second time in a month, to demand a halt to strikes on its soil by American forces based in neighboring Afghanistan. On Nov. 18, U.S. forces extended their attacks for the first time to an area beyond Pakistan's tribal region along the border, the Foreign Ministry said.

Pakistan has denied giving the U.S. approval to target suspected militants on its territory, after the Washington Post said the nations had an agreement allowing U.S. missile strikes by the unmanned Predator aircraft.

Thousands of Taliban and al-Qaeda fighters sought shelter in Pakistan's northwestern tribal region after the U.S.-led invasion of Afghanistan in late 2001.

U.S. intelligence agencies say the region is a haven for al- Qaeda and that militants use bases there to plan and carry out attacks on coalition forces in Afghanistan.

To contact the reporter on this story: Farhan Sharif in Karachi, Pakistan, at fsharif2@bloomberg.net.

Last Updated: November 21, 2008 07:32 EST