US drone strike in North Waziristan kills five Uzbek 'militants'

Published May 16, 2015
Two missiles were fired that hit two houses in Shawal Tehsil of North Waziristan Agency. -AP/File photo
Two missiles were fired that hit two houses in Shawal Tehsil of North Waziristan Agency. -AP/File photo

PESHAWAR: A US drone strike late on Saturday left five suspected militants dead and two others injured in North Waziristan Agency, sources told DawnNews.

It further said that two missiles were fired that hit two houses in Warokey Mandi area of Shawal Tehsil of North Waziristan Agency, a tribal region where the military has since June been battling militants linked to the Taliban and Al-Qaeda.

Meanwhile, official sources claimed that those suspected militants killed in the US drone strike were Uzbek nationals.

The area is generally off-limits to journalists, making it difficult to independently verify the number and identity of the dead.

“The US drone fired two missiles targeting a militant compound, killing four rebels,” a senior security official said on condition of anonymity.

Know more: Senior Afghan militant with IS links 'killed in drone attack'

North Waziristan is among Pakistan’s seven tribal districts near the Afghan border which are rife with insurgents and have been strongholds of Taliban and Al Qaeda operatives, among others.

Also read: 7 militants killed in drone strike

Military in June last year had launched an all-out operation named 'Zarb-i-Azb' against Taliban militants in the region.

Drone attacks are widely unpopular across Pakistan and according to a survey conducted in June 2013, 66 per cent of the country's citizens oppose these strikes.

Opinion

Editorial

Military option
Updated 21 Nov, 2024

Military option

While restoring peace is essential, addressing Balochistan’s socioeconomic deprivation is equally important.
HIV/AIDS disaster
21 Nov, 2024

HIV/AIDS disaster

A TORTUROUS sense of déjà vu is attached to the latest health fiasco at Multan’s Nishtar Hospital. The largest...
Dubious pardon
21 Nov, 2024

Dubious pardon

IT is disturbing how a crime as grave as custodial death has culminated in an out-of-court ‘settlement’. The...
Islamabad protest
Updated 20 Nov, 2024

Islamabad protest

As Nov 24 draws nearer, both the PTI and the Islamabad administration must remain wary and keep within the limits of reason and the law.
PIA uncertainty
20 Nov, 2024

PIA uncertainty

THE failed attempt to privatise the national flag carrier late last month has led to a fierce debate around the...
T20 disappointment
20 Nov, 2024

T20 disappointment

AFTER experiencing the historic high of the One-day International series triumph against Australia, Pakistan came...