On Thursday, US drones launched an attack on a compound in South Waziristan, and when locals rushed to the scene to rescue survivors, they launched more missiles at them, leaving a total of 13 dead. The timing and target of the attack were controversial, as was the tactic of luring locals in with a first strike to maximize the kill count. Today, locals were involved in a funeral procession when the US struck again.
Drones attacked what they suspected was a “militant hideout” early today, killing at least 17. When mourners gathered to offer prayers for those slain in the first attack, the drones struck again, attacking the procession it self and bringing the overall toll to at least 65, according to witnesses.
The recent attacks show a level of aggression and a willingness to target gatherings likely to contain many innocent people unseen in previous US strikes in the area. Generally speaking, most of the dozens of attacks against South Waziristan have been isolated strikes against buildings, and were not followed up with supplementary attacks on the gathering crowds.
OH TWITTER? WHERE ART THOU?
Thought for the day: If you are operating a drone, are you a man?
It must be intentional. They must be trying to escalate the war so they can expand it.
ReplyDeleteAgreed. It's crazy albeit clearly planned for a long time ago.
ReplyDeleteA few years ago, I read about a huge maximum security prison complex being built in Aghanistan by the Americans. At the time, it didn't make any sense considering how large it is and how much money was spent to build it.
The "Afghan front" seemed to be going nowhere and at the time we were't using drones in Pakistan. In fact, we did not have permission to do anything in that borderline area.
How things have changed.