Ethan Miller—AFP
Two missiles launched on a suspected militant compound in the Datta Khel region.
Missiles launched by a U.S. drone at a suspected militant compound in North Waziristan on Wednesday killed at least eight people, according to intelligence officials.
“A U.S. drone fired two missiles and destroyed a compound and a vehicle in the Al-Warah Mandi area of North Waziristan’s Datta Khel region,” according to an intelligence official. He said at least eight people had been killed, and several people were believed to be injured in the strike but there were no details available at this time.
Another intelligence official based in Miranshah confirmed the attack. “At the moment, we do not know if any high-value target was eliminated but some Uzbek militants are among the dead,” he added.
The government of Pakistan condemned the drone strike, claiming it was a violation of its sovereignty and territorial integrity. In a statement issued to the media: “The Government of Pakistan also believes that with the decisive action being taken against terrorist elements in North Waziristan, there is no need for such strikes. We, therefore, urge for a cessation of such strikes.”
The Pakistan Army launched military operation Zarb-e-Azb in North Waziristan on June 15, following a Taliban-led attack on Karachi’s international airport. According to the military, over 1,000 militants and 86 soldiers have died in the ongoing conflict so far.
This is the eighth drone strike in Pakistan since Operation Zarb-e-Azb was launched, according to the Bureau for Investigative Journalism, which tracks drone attacks based on media reports.