Islamabad, Jul 16 (PTI): At least 20 suspected militants were killed today in a US drone attack in Pakistan’s troubled North Waziristan tribal region, where the military is mounting a major offensive to clear the area of the Taliban bases.
The unmanned aircraft targeted a suspected hideout of militants in Datakhel area of the district.
A security official said that four missiles were fired from the drone which destroyed a compound.
“Initial reports show that 18 militants were killed. The identity of those killed is not known as yet,” he said.
It was the second drone attack within a week, after seven militants were killed in a similar strike in the same area on July 10.
Pakistan first said that it was not aware of the attack but later condemned it, showing its tight policy position vis-a-vis drone campaign, as they target the same rebel Pakistan army is trying to wipe out.
The country terms these attacks as violation of its sovereignty.
