ISLAMABAD — Most people in Pakistan's tribal regions strongly oppose U.S. missile strikes in their territory, with nearly half believing they kill mainly civilians, a rare opinion poll reveals.

Despite their dislike of the United States, most surveyed also expressed resentment of the al-Qaida and Taliban fighters the missiles are targeting.

The poll's release coincides with a dramatic increase in drone-fired missile strikes in the border region near Afghanistan last month. Western officials say the surge in attacks is aimed in part at disrupting a terror plot against Europe.

U.S. officials, who rarely acknowledge the covert CIA-run program, have in the past said it is a critical tool that has killed several top al-Qaida and Taliban commanders.

But across Pakistan, concern is high for civilians who die during the strikes. The Pakistani government, while officially against the strikes, is believed to secretly provide intelligence for at least some of them.