‘Up to 45 killed’ in three Pakistan drone strikes
Courtesy Beth and Christian
Three drone strikes in Pakistan’s Federally Administered Tribal Area (FATA) have killed up to 45 people since Tuesday night, according to agencies and Pakistani and international news media.
According to Bureau analysis as part of its ongoing drones project, 229 CIA drone strikes have now taken place in Pakistan since President Obama took office in January 2009.
The diverse reports highlight the difficulties of reporting from tribal areas, but according to agencies and local and international news media, the first attack targeted a van and compound on Tuesday evening in Borvaika or Gorwak village in North Waziristan.
Five alleged militants reportedly died in the van. A nearby house or compound was also destroyed, with between 12 and 15 reported dead and six injured. Some confusion remains about precise numbers killed.
In a further attack in the early hours of Wednesday morning Pakistan time, a compound and/or vehicle in Bushnarai, South Waziristan, was targeted. Six to 10 alleged militants died, with five others injured. Some reports claimed that ‘foreigners’ were among the dead.
A third strike has been reported in the Shawal area of North Waziristan. A house and car appear to have been targeted. Estimates of deaths range from 13 to 15, with ‘scores’ injured.
