Pakistan: 18 Killed In US Drone Attack

US drone has carried out yet another attack in Waziristan tribal region killing 18 alleged militants. International media has reported that some important militant leaders have been killed in the attack, but local journalists were never shown the bodies of the dead. There are report of civilian deaths in this latest attack. Majority of the tribal elders think that drone attacks will further spoil the already volatile situation in tribal areas.

"A US drone fired four missiles into a compound reportedly used by terrorists in northwestern tribal belt on Saturday, killing at least 18 militants, security officials said.

The missiles targeted the compound in Dwasarak village, about 40 kilometres (25 miles) west of Wana, the main town in South Waziristan district, a senior Pakistani security official who wished to remain anonymous told media.

"At least 18 militants have been killed in this attack," he said adding that two US drones fired four missiles.

Two intelligence officials, one in Wana and one based in Peshawar, also confirmed the attack and the death toll.

South Waziristan, considered a militant stronghold, was the scene of a major Pakistani offensive last year.

Dwasarak is close to the Afghan border in the Angoor Adda area of South Waziristan. Officials said militants belonging to local commander Maulana Halimullah were killed in the attack, the second time that US drones have targeted his men.

A security official in Miranshah, the main town of the neighbouring North Waziristan tribal district said militants were also using the compound as a training camp.

Soon after the attack, militants surrounded the village and forced residents to stay in their houses, another security official in Wana told media.

It was not immediately clear whether there were any high-value targets among the dead, official said."

Source: thenews.com.pk