‘US drone campaign targeted rescuers, mourners’

Report cites evidence that strikes killed at least 50 civilians who rushed to help victims.


News Desk February 07, 2012



CIA’s drone campaign in Pakistan has reportedly been targeting civilians involved in rescuing victims or attending funerals, an investigation report revealed.


According to the investigation carried out by the Bureau of Investigative Journalism for the Sunday Times, drones not only targeted militants but also civilians who had gone to help the victims targeted by the drones.

Earlier, Pakistan had acknowledged ‘tactical advantages’ to US drone strikes on the Taliban and al Qaeda, but appeared to shrug off the unexpected confirmation by Washington of attacks on its soil.

Foreign ministry spokesman Abdul Basit had said that drone strikes are “unlawful, counterproductive and hence unacceptable.”

The remarks from Pakistan’s foreign ministry came as President Barack Obama confirmed for the first time that drone aircraft had targeted militants in Pakistan’s semi-autonomous tribal areas on the Afghan border.

Contrary to Obama’s claim that the drone strikes were ‘focused and targeted’ and has not cost a huge number of civilians deaths, the research by the Bureau revealed that since Obama took office three years ago, between 282 and 535 have  been reported dead — casualties included over 60 children.

The investigation cited eyewitness reports and evidence that drone strikes killed at least 50 civilians who had gone to help victims, whereas, over 20 civilian deaths were reported in deliberate strikes on funerals and mourners.

The drone strikes were initiated under the administration of former US president George W Bush; however, they have been intensified under the Obama administration.

There have been 260 drone attacks so far by unmanned drones during Obama’s administration – Predators or Reapers – which on an average count as one every four days, the report added.

No Let-Up

260 drone attacks have occurred during President Obama’s administration including both Predators and Reapers

Collateral Damage?

60 or more children have died in drone strikes, according to the Bureau’s investigation

Targeting Rescuers

50 civilians were killed while rescuing or helping the victims of drone strikes

Targeting Mourners

20 civilians died in deliberate strikes on funerals and mourners during the last three years

Published in The Express Tribune, February 7th, 2012.

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