US ASSASSINATION DRONES KILL FIVE IN PAKISTAN

Miranshah, North Waziristan, 20 Sya’ban 1435/18 June 2014 (MINA) – Two separate US drone strikes in Pakistan have killed at least five people in the country’s northwest tribal region.

The strikes took place early morning Wednesday in the suburbs of Miranshah in North Waziristan, which is regarded as a stronghold of pro-Taliban militants.

According to local authorities, six missiles struck three compounds in Dargah Mandi Village, nearly 10 kilometers (six miles) west of Miranshah, where Pakistani forces conducted aerial strikes earlier in the week as well.

“US drones fired six missiles which hit three separate compounds in two villages, at least five militants have been killed,” a local security official was cited as saying in press reports, Press TV quoted by Mi’raj Islamic News Agency (MINA) as reporting.

The official further added that the attacks took place just minutes apart.

He said two drones fired four missiles in the first strike, then a third drone fired two more missiles in the second attack.

The official further noted that the identities of those killed during the drone strikes have not yet been determined.

Local press reports also said another senior security authority confirmed Wednesday’s drone strikes and said that a vehicle parked at one of the targeted compounds was also struck in the attack, raising the possibility that the casualty figures may further climb.

According to official figures, the US drone strikes in Pakistan have killed over 2,100 people since 2008.

Washington claims that the attacks target anti-US militants. On the ground, however, most of the victims of such strikes have been civilians, according to witnesses.

Meanwhile, the Pakistani government has repeatedly condemned the attacks as a violation of the country’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. (T/P012/E01)

Mi’raj Islami News Agency (MINA)