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PESHAWAR/ISLAMABAD: Pakistan has strongly condemned a US drone strike in South Waziristan that killed at least seven suspected militants, including a key commander of Haqqani network, on Thursday and termed it unnecessary, said a Foreign Office spokesperson.
"These drone strikes are a violation of Pakistan's sovereignty and territorial integrity and should be stopped," FO spokesperson Tasneem Aslam said at a news briefing.
The attack happened early Thursday in Nargas village of Birmil area, some 30 kilometres west of Wana, the main town of South Waziristan tribal region near the Afghan border which is considered a stronghold of Taliban militants.
Officials and a militant source said four foreigners and a Haqqani network commander, who is blamed for numerous bloody attacks in Afghanistan, were among those killed.
“At least seven militants were killed in the drone strike,” an intelligence official based in Wana told AFP, adding that the dead included four foreigners and a top Haqqani commander.
“Abdullah Haqqani (the commander) was responsible for sending suicide bombers to Afghanistan,” the official said.
Another official in the neighbouring garrison town of Bannu confirmed the death toll and killing of the commander.
A source in a militant group said that a vehicle loaded with arms and ammunition was also destroyed in the attack.
Speaking at the press briefing, Aslam said Pakistan has always taken up the issue of drone strikes with the US administration at every level because these attacks are also a violation of international laws.
Responding to a question, she said the recent visit by Iranian deputy foreign minister was successful and that Pakistan and Iran had productive discussion on a wide range of issues.
When her attention was drawn to an International crises group report about Pakistan's foreign policy, she termed it baseless and said all relevant institutions are consulted with regards to its formulation.
On a question about an Iranian Ambassador's name on a hit list of militants, she said the interior ministry might have communicated this to the Iranian embassy in Islamabad via the foreign office.
She added that security and protection of all foreign diplomats in Islamabad is the responsibility of the government and it is fully cognizant in this regard.
Pakistani military launched a major offensive in North Waziristan in June and say they have killed more than 1,100 militants so far, with 100 soldiers losing their lives in the operation.
South Waziristan is among Pakistan’s seven tribal districts near the Afghan border which are rife with insurgents and are alleged to be strongholds of Taliban and Al Qaeda operatives, among others.
The tribal region was once the main stronghold for the Pakistani Taliban. The military launched a large offensive against militants there in 2009 but insurgents still operate in the area and periodically stage attacks.
Drone attacks are widely unpopular across Pakistan and according to a survey conducted in June this year, 66 per cent of the country's citizens oppose these strikes. On the other hand, there are some who believe the US drones are better weapons to use against militants as compared to Pakistan Air Force jets.
US drone strikes targeting various countries based on intelligence reports remain deeply unpopular as according to a survey, out of 31 nations, at least half disapprove of the US conducting drone attacks targeting extremists in places such as Pakistan, Yemen and Somalia.
Comments (41) Closed
Why we need these drones when already our Army is doing operation. This sounds very pathetic.
Just yesterday Pakistan told US to halt drone attack and this is the result.....
Good one keep it going.
@Focus Correction : Not "told" but "begged" US. Can we ever tell US? But anyway I feel Drones are good for Pakistan.
Good job US
Pakistan's National bird symbol should be replaced with DRONE...
Whenever pak condemns drone strike the next day it take place. that too in a nuclear country. Poor pakistanis!
Thank you USA. Drones are killing as many terrorists as Zarb-e-Azb.
Fantastic work by the National Bird of Pakistan !!!
Is pakistan a sovereign country
IK's drone dharna is a failure.
These terrorists would kill hundreds of women and children, thanks to US for eliminating them.
Drones are a necessary evil.
Our military chief just said yesterday that he is going to Washington to tell Obama to stop drone strikes. And today USA showed us if they will listen to our army chief.
Stop being a safe haven for terrorists and every country will honor Pakistan's sovereignty and territorial integrity. Until then these pretty birds will continue soaring above your head.
@Usman coz pak army is not telling the truth.
Thanks US for helping to eliminate terrorists.
They're always 'suspected' aren't they...
The US joins India and Iran in punishing Pakistan for provocations and does from the sky what India and Iran are doing from land. Pakistan’s Jihad Under the Nuclear Umbrella will be punished. I wonder when Afghanistan will join?
@Usman
Because the Army is targeting their enemies and the drones are targeting theirs. Seems like both aren't the same group of people.
Why Nato containers aren'y being blocked by PTI now? and Why aren't they issuing statements against the US?
The only Haqqani casualties in Pakistan's famous offensive happen to be the result of drone attacks ... coincidence? I think not.
I'm tired of hearing these government "protests" or "strong worded statements" on drone strikes. Everyone knows that these strikes are carried out with full support of the military and government. It's the Pakistani forces which confirm the coordinates of the potential target to the CIA for them to carry out a drone strike. So who're they trying to fool here??
But Pakistan has been sending Jet planes to bombard the same "suspected "
Let them finish. Our corrupt system could not handle them. I think Zarb Azb has failed.
Keep protesting. No on cares
What do you mean by protest? Protest is not going to bring anything. The drones need to be shot down by our army.
Instead of endless protests, why don't you shoot one down and see what happens. Wont be the end of the world I am sure.
@zain When has it ever?
@Focus . Tell me who is boss. US or Pakistan
Yawn! We protest to US, we protest to Iran, we protest to India, we protest to Afghanistan, we protest to UN! And when tried to really protest at our Kashmir million man march we threw eggs at each other. Well done pakistan!
Drone strikes are done with the agreement between US and Pakistan. Pakistan is pretending to protest publicly in order to avoid havoc within country. US has told openly that it is using drones with the permission of Pakistan.
Pakistan should create a drone protest department in their government.
Zarb-e-Azb and drones are complementing each other's work. One targets TTP and the other targets Haqqani network and there is good exchange of target intelligence between the two which is good for future peace in Pakistan.
This lady has repeated this same line for about 2 years now.
Either do something about it or just shut up!
@Usman If you read the news carefully, you will know why. It says - "strike killed a key commander of Haqqani network" !! Hmmm can that be a hint ???
When J F Kennedy was Killed , A senior Official said in press conference ' I feel ashamed of Being an American today. I get the same feeling every time i hear these drone or PAF jet booming their own Mother land.
Why Pakistan is declaring war against USA as this is a continuous breach of sovereignty. It appears Pakistan can only shout against India and spineless against the big brother. It is world's laughing stock !
@Razi Khan --better yet, record and save your "strong protest video" to replay it over every once in a while when there are drone attacks next time and there is an urge to lodge another official protest about violation of Pakistan's sovereignty and territorial integrity.
Protesting since 5-6 years keep it on
There is a snake in the house.
It might bite me or my people if I try to kill it.
Shouldn't I be happy if someone else is killing it for me?