07.12 pm, Monday November 23 2009

Seventeen die in US strike in Pakistan

21:06 AEST Fri Jul 3 2009
By Munir Ahmed
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US missiles struck a training facility operated by Pakistani Taliban leader Baitullah Mehsud and a militant communication centre, killing 17 people and wounding 27 others, intelligence officials said.

The two attacks by drone aircraft took place in South Waziristan, a Mehsud stronghold close to the Afghan border where Pakistani troops are gearing up for a military offensive, two officials said on condition of anonymity.

They took place as US Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano met government officials in the Pakistani capital, Islamabad.

The drone attacks were the latest in more than 40 believed to have been be carried out by the United States against militant targets in the border area since last August.

Washington does not directly acknowledge being responsible for the attacks, which kill civilians as well as militants.

Most Pakistanis criticise the drone attacks, and Islamabad officially protests them as violations of its sovereignty.

Still, most experts believe the government secretly approves of them and likely provides the United States with intelligence.

In one attack on Friday, two missiles struck an abandoned seminary in the village of Mantoi that was being used by militants from Mehsud's group for training, the officials said.

In the other strike, one missile hit an insurgent communications centre in the nearby village of Kokat Khel, they said.

In total, 17 people were killed and 27 others were wounded, they said.

The attack came as US Marines in neighbouring Afghanistan pushed deeper in the southern Helmand province, a day after 4,000 Marines launched a major anti-Taliban offensive.

Pakistan said it moved troops to the stretch of its border opposite Helmand to stop militants fleeing the American assault.

 
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