Earlier, at least six people were killed in a US drone strike on September 22. PHOTO: AFP/FILE
The attack took place in the Dargamandi area, seven kilometers north of Miranshah which is the main town in the North Waziristan tribal region.
The area is a bastion of militants linked to the Taliban and al Qaeda.
The area targeted by the drone is said to be the stronghold of Afghanistan's Haqqani network, a guerrilla faction linked to the Taliban.
US drone attacks are deeply unpopular in Pakistan, but Washington sees them as a vital tool in the fight against militants in the lawless tribal areas along the border with Afghanistan.
The Pakistani government has repeatedly protested against drone strikes as a violation of its sovereignty.
But privately officials have been reported as saying the attacks can be useful in removing militants from the country.
Earlier, at least six people were killed in a US drone strike on a suspected militant compound in North Waziristan on September 22, officials said.
At least four people were killed when a US drone targeted a house with missiles in North Waziristan on August 31.
COMMENTS (42)
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America is an invader and aggressor. All the problems in Pakistan are because of American invasion of Afghanistan and situation will not improve until the occupying US forces are here. PML-N is doing the right thing by standup to the Americans. Certainly we are a small country and cannot do much, but speaking the truth about our helplessness is very important so our entire nation is on the same page. We should close US supply routes immediately.
@Shais: The reason why i complain is because they are killed our own civilians. the reason why i complain is because Pakistan image is ruined. the reason why i complain is because our existence today is in danger. the reason why i complain is because I am a Pakistani who knows that Peace will only be maintained and restored when you have enough strength to knock down any enemy who is against Pakistan Peace.
@Shais: Are you seriously for real accepting a reply ! Musharraf used to launch operation and kill terrorists like a brave commando he is. Why are u supporting terrorists ? In a week look how many innocent people they have killed. THERE IS NO DIFFERENCE BETWEEN TTP AND THE DRONES THAT TARGET CIVILIANS AND PEOPLE OF YOU THINKING HAVE MADE TTP. peace
@No Name and Malik Humza
Your Leaders Musharraf and Zardari did a good job with military operation. and when people like you can be unjust and say 'they deserve it' knowing well that the majority killed in drones have been innocent civilians..then why complain when they do the same?
@Dr.A.K.Tewari
Hey "Dr" , this is not how you spell Geneva, Jenewa . Enough said, I think.
@g: I can understand that it is very convenient for you to paint an entire population with the same brush. BUT:
1) I am not 'defending' any terrorist bombings 2) The casualties in these bombings are not the only innocents in Pakistan. It might be impossible for you to believe, but the entire population of FATA are not terrorists. Neither are the women and children who die in these drone strikes. 3) The collateral damage in these strikes is far too high to be casually ignored. If the Pakistan Army wants to tackle the situation, I welcome that (No, I do not support IK's stance) But I will not welcome an attack on the sovereignty of my people by Big Bad Uncle Sam (and neither will I thank them for it!) What the USA does when 'someone kills innocents', is kill more of them. It is inhumane for you to suggest that some lives are more important than others. 4) What the Taliban do is heinous, but if you continue to advocate this mindset, you are no better than them at the end of the day. It might be very comfortable for you to pass such comments snuggled in the safety of your home, I'm afraid the reality of people on the ground is slightly different.
@Aakashvaani: wait for your turn.... there would fruitful discussions also to take place in Pakistan.
It is amazing how much joy Indians get these days by aligning themselves with US on every issue. The poor souls have no idea that US has & will always protect its interests & will throw other side under the bus ( dispense like a used tissue paper) when the need arises. Pakistan is learning that lesson very hard way & it seems Indians will learn at some point in future. Good luck catching up on Pakistan.
Drone attack is being conducted by an international pannel of experts and not ny US army therefore do'nt come under the peview of Jenewa or UN agreements .
Drones are being used as an ad-hoc 'solution' to target militants where the state has no writ. The real solution is to establish the state's writ and ensure that no militants are able to operate on our soil. Do that and there won't be any need for drones. The problem is that establishing the state's writ and clearing the area of militants will require a military operation, and apologists like PTI are also against military action.
if they are so brave they should attack those who are firing drones instead innocent common people
@Shais: Shouldn't the retaliation than be in Afghanistan on bagram airbase? Or a Pakistani civilian market? Get your head of of the ground.
After taking $6 billion loan from IMF to stay afloat, Pakistan is in no position to "demand" anything from the US.
I met one pakistani in toronto and he said there is no terrorism in pakistan. Its all conspiracy theory. He says Pakistan means clean and his country is very clean and no blood is flowing in streets of Karachi, sindh, lahore, kp and balochistan. I was gaged and no words to argue..
@Danyal,
The only innocents dying in Pakistan are casualties from terrorist bombings you are defending. Instead of protesting, Pakistan should be thanking the US. At least they do something when someone kills innocents.
This outrage is misplaced. It should be directed at the Taliban.
If Pakistan does not do something o remove he Taliban, daily market bombings are in your future.
The guy across the other end of the planet operating the drone should be so happy, reading the comment board on this site.
and this attack comes while the Pakistan Prime Minister is on US soil......way to go..way to go.
@Optimistic: My question: Do Taliban accept the responsibility of above attack ?
When does a criminal accepts responsibility?
Is Imran Khan suggesting talks with the peaceful citizens, or the terrorists who are blowing up people?
If TTP is such a peace loving creatures, what is there to talk about?
The truth is that after Imran khan and the government declared them stake holders, all banned groups are busy increasing their stakes.
Besides, if TTP decides to shun terrorism, the drones would stop immediately, not the other way round. Imran Khan is confused with the cause and effect.
That is 6 less terrorists to worry about in Pakistan...thank you America for helping to rid the country of these murderers while our politicians sit around talking about talking with these killers...
@MR: These monsters overwhelmingly kill innocent civilians in Afghanistan too. But I assume you are okay with that. You lessen the value of the blood of Muslim neighbors. Excuse me if I lack compassion. You may never learn any other way and be content with dead Afghans forever.
The solution to drone attacks remains the same -- quit providing sanctuary to terrorist who attack your neighbors and allies. Those who think that drones are the root cause of terrorism in Pakistan need to grow up - same lame argument as those who think that once the American's leave Afghanistan the Taliban will drop there arms and joint Islamabad - naive and borderline stupid.
"The Pakistani government has repeatedly protested against drone strikes as a violation of its sovereignty."
I DON'T UNDERSTAND THIS. What sort of a government 'repeatedly protests' against aerial attacks that kill innocent civilians on their own soil? You either let it happen, or you don't. How do they allow it and then condemn it?
@Shais Retaliation should be against those who you are fighting with. They should move to Afghanistan and fight with Americans. Innocent Pakistanis in markets, streets, churches and mosques don't control or operate drones. Don't gloat over innocents' blood. One day it may be you or your mother, sister, child or some other innocent member of your family in a market place. Honestly, would you still absolve the terrorists and blame drones?
@A J Khan: When TTP blows up a bus or public place. They also say the same thing as you said
"They deserve it"
What's the difference then?
My question: Do Taliban accept the responsibility of above attack ? Things are not this much simple in FATA / KP. CIA agents like Raymond Davis are involved in these attacks. I cannot forget that moment when video clips of interior city Peshawar was produced from Raymond Davis camera when he was caught in Lahore. Can anyone answer me ? Why ? - One from Peshawar.
Ik n KPK CM must resign after this drone attack....its all coz of IK n his peace talks mantra
This is a viscous circle... drone attacks will always be followed by attacks on innocent people. Our Country is in deep trouble.. God be with us...
@Shais: What peace are you talking about ? open your ears and eyes , can peace be done with people who recently killed people in kp! Don't follow your foolish leader and see what is happening.
Drone attacks should continue to kill the militants, attacking civilians in Pakistan and neighboring Afghanistan. This is the only way to deal terrorists with minimum causality. Thanks to NATO and USA, for fighting with our enemies.
Its coz of IK.....blame him please.....every thing is coz of him.....
I am having a Coke and a smile.
@Shais, Assuming your neighbor hits you, as a retaliation you will go and hit YOUR OWN SON is it. Nice logic/commonsense you have
This is why US and other STAKE HOLDERS are after IMRAN KHAN because he will never surrender himself to US demands
A new trend is developing in this conflict with terror outfit . The day America send drones , the Taliban hit back with sucide bombers or blasts. Last church attack was triggered by the dones. Both incident occurred on the same day. Today too the same thing has happened. American dones triggered terrorist retaliation. It seems the terrorist are now following newton's theory that every action has a reaction.
The Govt. and democracy is losing its legitimacy and authority to take serious decision. Both the weaker democracy and stronger security establishment is having difference on the core issues. Until the Govt. is not confident in taking serious steps toward peace it seems both the internal and external issues will not be addressed. There is severe lack of seriousness and consensus that might lead the situation worst. From the PM UN polite speech shows that both the Govt. and Security establishment don’t want drones attacks to be stopped and opposing any dialogue process on internal issues. That means they are working on US allied mutual interests beyond boundaries, working on mutual agenda and surreptitious compromises and agreements that might dragged the nation into more devastation.
People dying everywhere in Pakistan while the government and all stakeholders are confused with equally confused policy...May Allah help us get over with this bloodshed.
I think Manmohanji and Obamaji had a FRUITFULLY long discussion! Welldone India errrrrrrr America!
@AJ Khan
If they deserve this then accept all the retaliation as well. Don't even think about peace
They deserve it.