At Least 12 Killed in US Drone Strike in South Waziristan

Three Others Reported Wounded

Updated 3/1/09 6:45 PM EST

Pakistani intelligence officials confirmed today that the missile attacks on a house in Sararogha, South Waziristan Agency came from a US drone. Joint Chiefs chairman Admiral Michael Mullen declined to comment on the specifics of the operation but said that the military has been “carrying out guidance from President Obama” in the region.

At least 12 people were killed and three others injured. Officials said at least some of those killed were foreign militants, but others said all the casualties were local tribesmen. Police are promising an investigation but have not disclosed the identities of those killed.

Since President Obama took office the number and severity of the drone strikes on Pakistani territory have increased dramatically. Though the Pakistani government has continued to publicly complain about the attacks, mounting evidence suggests they have been providing direct backing to them.

Author: Jason Ditz

Jason Ditz is Senior Editor for Antiwar.com. He has 20 years of experience in foreign policy research and his work has appeared in The American Conservative, Responsible Statecraft, Forbes, Toronto Star, Minneapolis Star-Tribune, Providence Journal, Washington Times, and the Detroit Free Press.