PHOTO: AFP
"A US drone fired two missiles at a compound and vehicle in Shawal area of North Waziristan, killing six terrorists," a senior security official told AFP, speaking on condition of anonymity.
The strike targeted a Taliban compound in North Waziristan, one of seven semi-autonomous tribal districts that border Afghanistan and a hub for al Qaeda and Taliban militants since the early 2000s.
The compound was razed to grounds whereas a vehicle inside the compound was blown into pieces. Since a drone was hovering in air for around half an hour, rescue activities started late.
Another security official confirmed the strike and casualties, saying three among the killed were foreigners whereas four of them local.
Exact identity of the killed foreigners is yet to be confirmed but officials believe them to be Central Asians.
Two militants were injured as well who were shifted to local clinics.
Recent drone attacks by the US have raised speculation that Washington and Islamabad are coordinating their military efforts.
RELATED: Pakistan condemns Waziristan drone strike
Pakistan, however, officially denounces the strikes as a violation of its sovereignty.
It was the fourth US drone attack in Shawal mountainous area in January 2015, which is covered by snow. Due to the extreme weather, movement for militants and troops as well is impossible. All of them are confined to their shelters, dins and barracks. The area is generally off-limits to journalists as well, making it difficult to independently verify the number and identity of the dead.
Washington pressed Islamabad for years to wipe out militant sanctuaries in North Waziristan, which have been used to launch attacks on NATO forces in Afghanistan.
The latest strikes came after Pakistan ramped up its anti-terror strategy in the wake of a December 16 attack on the Army Public School in Peshawar that killed 150 people, 134 of them children.
Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif has announced the establishment of military courts for terror-related cases in order to accelerate trials, and also lifted a six-year moratorium on the death penalty, reinstating it for terrorism-related cases.
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Aren't central asians using your country as a base for terrorism a greater violation of your sovereignty?
I remember last year when drone striked, had seen coments from all of Pakistan cursing govt and USA. What has changed now that Pakistan appreciating such news?
Well, the recent Peshawar event is one of the reason. But understand how such events changes all of Pakistan's view in days. let us wait for some event from USA to change this view back again.
Who are the drones killing if we are to believe the army's statement that they have cleaned north Waziristan of terrorist elements?
wonder who they are kilning for if the Pak Army and Air force have cleaned up the area. Either the US wanted to take credit for or ours are lying.
Sartaj sahab, lets condemn it. :-) And i heard today someone was talking about Sovereignty and equality.
Any dharna against drone strikes from Imran Khan?
@A J Khan:
Nobody knows what they are doing because they don't allow independent reporters into the area . What I do know is that for the past ten+ years Pakistan military hasn't had access to these sites until the Taliban permit them --- so whatever they find is going to be a new experience. I also read an ET article which indicated that the vast majority of Pakistan police lack basic investigatory skills and don't know how to preserve crime scene or maintain evidence. That leads me to believe that the military probably isn't trained either and may ignore cell phones or other evidence that might lead them to other bad guys.
Excellent job.. Terrorists must get hit from all directions.
Ever wonder why? nowadays there are no collateral deaths, no women, children and elderly deaths. Only terrorists!!, Incrediable
@woody: You think they are fishing on river bank.
In the old days the towns were controlled by the Taliban and the govt didn't really have access to the target site -- with the new offensive the govt should be able to take control of the site -- arrest any of the survivors, interrogate the neighbors and track down their accomplices/cohorts. Is any of that happening?
Good Job.
If ONLY condemning all such offenses would improve anything, Pakistan would be the safest place on earth to live. These puppet politicians need to grow up and actually DO something rather than just condemning!
These MUST stop