US Drone Strike Kills Seven in South Waziristan

Missiles Struck 'Suspected Militant Hideout'

by Jason Ditz, June 03, 2011

At least seven people were killed today when US drones attacked a home in South Waziristan Agency, firing three missiles into what was termed a “suspected militant hideout.” The identities of the slain were unknown.

Pakistani officials familiar with the strike termed all of the slain “suspects,” but as usual gave no indication what they were suspected off. US officials, also as usual, did not comment at all on the attack.

Pakistan’s government has repeatedly demanded that the US stop its drone attacks against the tribal areas, the continuation of which have been a major part of the rising tensions between the two nations.

The drone strikes have been hugely unpopular among Pakistanis, and reports coming out of the tribal areas suggest the attacks are largely conducted on the basis of faulty intelligence, which would explain why the vast, vast majority of the victims are random, unnamed tribesmen.

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