PAKISTAN – Missiles fired by suspected US drones killed at least 15 militants in two strikes in Pakistan’s northwest region yesterday, security officials said, part of a surge in such attacks near the Afghan border.
The attacks targeted militants in North Waziristan, a sanctuary for al-Qaeda and Taliban on the Afghan border. In a pre-dawn attack, pilotless drone aircraft fired eight missiles targeting a militant compound on the outskirts of region’s main town of Miranshah, killing 12 militants.
Hours later, drones fired two missiles into another compound in Datta Khel area, about 40km west of Miranshah, killing at least three militants.
Security officials said those killed in the first strike were Pakistani militants affiliated with the Haqqani network, one of the brutal Afghan militant factions fighting US-led foreign forces across the border. Named after veteran mujahideen leader Jalaluddin Haqqani, the group is now led by his son Siraj and is closely linked to al-Qaeda.
Security analysts say the intensification in missile strikes, particularly in North Waziristan, could be linked to the delay by Pakistan in launching new anti-Taliban offensives as it struggles to cope with August’s devastating floods.
The United States has branded Pakistan’s lawless tribal belt as the global hub of militants.
Many analysts believe Pakistan may be planning to use Afghan groups such as the Haqqani network as leverage to check the growing influence of India in Afghanistan after the planned American withdrawal from there.
Pakistan’s army has come under a major strain after it diverted more than 60,000 of its men for rescue and relief efforts after the devastating floods.
However, army officials say they have not not redeployed any of about 140,000 soldiers fighting militants near the Afghan border. Pakistan has an estimated force of about 550,000 soldiers.
“We can’t afford to lower our guard. . . they are still attacking and exploding bombs,” a senior security official said. – (Reuters)