US drone attack kills 15 in Pakistan

Islamabad, July 3

A suspected US drone aircraft fired three missiles at a militant hideout in Pakistan's restive tribal district of South Waziristan on the Afghan border Friday, killing at least 15 people, an intelligence official said.

The missiles reportedly hit the house of a Taliban sympathiser in Kokat Khel village of the district's Ladha area at around 10.45 a.m. (0445 GMT), demolishing the structure.

"According to our information, 15 people have been killed and 33 others are injured," said a local intelligence official who spoke on condition of anonymity.

He said local Taliban as well as foreigners - a term locally used for Al Qaeda militants of Arab origin - were among the dead and injured.

"We are trying to find out if there is any important figure among the dead," the official added.

Taliban fighters sealed off the area following the blasts as they tried to pull out people buried under the rubble.

The Ladha area is a stronghold of warlord Baitullah Mehsud against whom Pakistani troops are preparing an offensive.

Mehsud is believed to be responsible for a series of suicide attacks on security forces as well as civilian targets across the country which have killed thousands of people over the last two years.

He also has a $5 million bounty on his head as an Al Qaeda facilitator.

Last updated on Jul 3^rd, 2009 at 12:30 pm IST--DPA

Possibly related news:

Other News Headlines

Six soldiers, 14 Taliban killed in Pakistan

Islamabad, Nov 21

At least 14 militants and six soldiers were killed Saturday in the latest fighting in the ongoing military operation in Pakistan's restive northwestern tribal region, the army said.

Rehman Malik offers to quit if Blackwater presence in Pakistan proved

Islamabad, Nov 21

Pakistan's interior minister has offered to quit if the presence of US security agency Blackwater in Pakistan is proved -- but he could be treading on thin ice for more than one reason.

Lebanese mother confesses to wiping out family

Beirut, Nov 21

A Lebanese mother found dead with her three daughters left a videotaped confession that she poisoned the family, local media reported Saturday.

IANS Top Stories at 6

INTERNATIONAL

Four Pakistanis arrested in Italy for Mumbai attacks - Moved at 1546

Prominent Pakistanis let off corruption charges to be named

Islamabad, Nov 21

The names of prominent Pakistanis who have benefited from an ordinance granting immunity to politicians, army officers and bureaucrats charged with corruption will be made public, Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani said Saturday.

Enter Your Name and Email below and Post your comment
Name	Email:
Comment:

Please login to use this service
Usermame :
Password :
Quick signup \| Forgot Password