Toll from suspected US strike now 9

Published February 8, 2013

-File Photo

MIRANSHAH: Pakistani officials say the death toll from a suspected US drone strike in a restive tribal region has risen to 9, all of whom were militants.

Two intelligence officials said Saturday that three members of the Pakistani Taliban movement wounded in the Friday strike on a militant compound died overnight. They had originally put the death toll at six.

The officials said their field informants confirmed two members of al Qaeda, Abu Majid Al Iraqi and Sheikh Abu Waqas Al-Yamani, were among the dead. They said the remaining seven were all members of Pakistan's branch of the Taliban. Both officials spoke anonymously as they weren't authorized to speak to the media.

The Taliban did not immediately comment on the strike in the Babar Ghar area of South Waziristan.

The drone fired two missiles on a house, destroying it completely. Five others were also injured, sources said.

Abu Waqas was the group's bombs and explosives expert. Sources also said that the compound was full of TTP figures, who were having dinner at the time of the drone attack.

The area is inhabited by Hakimullah Mehsud-led TTP fighters and other foreigners.

Additional reporting by Zahir Shah Sherazi

Opinion

Editorial

Election uncertainty
Updated 27 May, 2023

Election uncertainty

All political actors must call a ceasefire and agree to hold polls on time.
Poorer nation
Updated 27 May, 2023

Poorer nation

The citizenry has been left decidedly poorer by this government’s mismanagement.
Subdued Games
27 May, 2023

Subdued Games

THE National Games are supposed to be a quadrennial celebration of Pakistan’s top athletes who showcase their...
Smoke and mirrors
Updated 27 May, 2023

Smoke and mirrors

Why did the PTI government allow the individual from whom the money had been forfeited to benefit from its return?
Spending spree
26 May, 2023

Spending spree

THERE can be little argument with the fact that Pakistan’s economy is in dire straits; as most economists of ...
Killer heat
26 May, 2023

Killer heat

AS temperatures soar faster and furiously, meteorologists conclude that extended hot spells will hit every year....