23 June 2009 Makin airstrike was an attack launched by United States drones on a funeral procession in the city of Makin in South Waziristan, Pakistan.[1] Over 60 people were reported killed in what is considered perhaps the deadliest strike since the drone attacks started.[1] Other sources claimed up to 83 people were dead.[2] There were reports that Baitullah Mehsud was in the area but escaped unhurt while his deputy Qari Hussain was killed, although this has been disputed.[3][4][5] Hussain later phoned reporters to prove he was still alive.[6] The drones fired missiles when Sangeen Khan, an Afghan commander belonging to Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan, was holding a meeting soon after the funeral of an associate of Baitullah Mehsud.[7][8]
See also
References
- ^ a b Suspected U.S. Strike Kills at Least 60 in Pakistan, The New York Times, 2009-06-23
- ^ Death toll in suspected U.S. drone attack in Pakistan's tribal area rises to 83. Xinhua News Agency, 2009-06-24
- ^ Missile kills key trainer of Taliban suicide bombers, Dawn, 2009-06-25
- ^ Deadly 'drone attack' hits Pakistan, Al Jazeera, 2009-06-24
- ^ Pakistani Taliban chief dodged missile: officials[permanent dead link], Chicago Sun-Times, 2009-06-24
- ^ Yusufzai, Rahimullah (29 June 2009). "US, Pakistan both offer head money for Baitullah". The News International. Archived from the original on 30 June 2009. Retrieved 30 June 2009.
- ^ Missile attacks kill 50 in South Waziristan Archived 6 January 2011 at the Wayback Machine, Dawn, 2009-06-24
- ^ Suspected U.S. strikes kill dozens in Pakistan, CNN, 2009-06-24