Drone attacks kill more than 428 in 2010

Islamabad—More than forty drone attacks were carried out during the first seven months of 2010 inside Pakistani tribal areas killing more than 428 people. According to security experts monitoring the area, out of 428 casualties’ only less than fifty terrorists and militants while more than 69 percent civilians lost their lives. The deaths of the civilians have not only created new enemies for NATO but have also promoted militancy in the region.

Out of 428 people only seven known Al-Qaeda leaders, fifteen known Afghan Taliban leaders and forty two suspected militants could be targeted while 366 or 69 percent civilians including the women and children of militants died as a result of drone attacks.

Ten drone attacks were carried out in January killing more than 72 people, six drone attacks were carried out in February killing more than 22, eight drone attacks were carried out in March killing more than 52, five drone attacks were carried out in April killing more than 28, six drone attacks were carried out in May killing more than 42, seven drone attacks were carried out in June killing more than 64 and at least four drone attacks were carried out in July 2010 killing more than 22. It was also surprising to note that at least two or three attacks were carried out by unknown UAVs believed to be operated by forces other than the U.S.