Drone strike kills 12 people in North Waziristan
According to the report, the drone fired six missiles at a compound in Shawal Tehsil, believed to be housing militants.
An intelligence official seeking anonymity told The Express Tribune that the missiles were fired at the Torabi Markaz, a compound used as training facility by militants “the drone struck the compound with at least six missiles, destroying it completely.”
The official added that initial reports suggested 12 suspected militants had been killed, however, the number of casualties are expected to rise.
The strike comes days after talks between Pakistan and the US discussed a framework for future drone strikes where the US would pass on intelligence to their Pakistani counterparts who would then take appropriate action. It is the first strike in the holy month of Ramazan.
Islamabad has repeatedly denounced drone attacks on its tribal areas as counterproductive to the overall fight against terror, and that such unilateral actions violate the country’s sovereignty and provoke militancy.
Human rights activists have also condemned drone strikes for the high number of civilian casualties. The Obama administration claims drones are important in taking out al Qaeda linked militants.
Clerics in North and South Waziristan, in protest against the drone strikes, had announced of boycotting polio vaccination campaigns in the areas.
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And how do the “peace loving” people of North Waziristan respond to the drone strike? By boycotting the polio vaccination campaign! I pray for their children and for the polio vaccination teams.
"Suspected"
@Nasir
That's a little backhanded don't you think? If Pakistan were an ally wouldn't it openly support the drone strikes? Pakistan recognizes the zealousness of its population and does not want to irritate them so it says nothing.
Mirza has it right. Munnhabai has it right. Umar has it right.
The US has it right.
The best and accurare vapen against terrorist are drones, Because we will not or can not fight against them. How many innocent man, women and children have been killed by these jahadies.We want a secure and peaceful Pakistan.
12 dead militants a dead keeps the doctor away!
At least give their names who die without any trial.
Pakistanis must take to the streets to stop killings of their Mujahiddin brothers in North and South Waziristan. TTP is the only solution to all crisis of the day in Pakistan and Hakeemullah Mehsud could make a very competent President of Pakistan by implementing Shariah law in the country. Pakistanis will enjoy that Shariah law, just like we Afghans did.
i think the people of these areas should rise against these maniacs, or alt east leave the areas if they are really innocent. When you know that certain people are on the hit list why not make a run for it. I totally agree with the assertion that if we take action against the militants then there will be no need for drone strikes.
Drones will keep on killing the terrorists, and Zia clones will keep out churning from the Taliban/Al Qaeda madrassas. You cannot get rid of them.
Tired of hearing this again and again...
@Mohammad Ali Siddiqui: Last week, establishment said the number of ‘innocent civilian’ killed was exaggerated by them. Are you saying you do not believe them?
@Mohammad Ali Siddiqui: "What is the justification of drone strikes in Pakistan when the US does not have precise information about the militants."
What is Pakistani justification for not eliminating militants on their side?
Ban on Polio vaccination? Cool. Kill your own before the drone strikes in order to be precise because there might be a chance they may survive the drones.
Our Government do not take concrete action against drone attacks which proves that we are strong ally of US.
Pakistan is a US ally in the war against terror. Yet how many terrorists have they arrested, killed or convicted since the killing of OBL? We have to provide practical proofs with our actions to impress up the world that we are serious in this war and not playing both sides,. Once we prove to the world without active pursuit of terrorists and clearing the safe havens, we would not only earn the respect but a right to be critical of drones.
Despite the fact that these drones have proven to be the most effective way of dealing with those maniacs, yet there is no justification for scores of innocent people who get blown away by these. Americans and Mullahs/Taliban are equally condemnable when it comes to killing humanity for their I don't know 'what' deeds.
In OBL case, US had precise information, but drone do not kill the militants, the drone missiles are killing the innocent people.
What is the justification of drone strikes in Pakistan when the US does not have precise information about the militants.