2009 Makin airstrike

2009 Makin airstrike
LocationMakin, South Waziristan, Pakistan
Date23 June 2009
DeathsMore than 60
VictimsFuneral attendees
Perpetrators United States

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

  1. ^ a b Suspected U.S. Strike Kills at Least 60 in Pakistan, The New York Times, 2009-06-23
  2. ^ Death toll in suspected U.S. drone attack in Pakistan's tribal area rises to 83. Xinhua News Agency, 2009-06-24
  3. ^ Missile kills key trainer of Taliban suicide bombers, Dawn, 2009-06-25
  4. ^ Deadly 'drone attack' hits Pakistan, Al Jazeera, 2009-06-24
  5. ^ Pakistani Taliban chief dodged missile: officials[permanent dead link‍], Chicago Sun-Times, 2009-06-24
  6. ^ 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.
  7. ^ Missile attacks kill 50 in South Waziristan Archived 6 January 2011 at the Wayback Machine, Dawn, 2009-06-24
  8. ^ Suspected U.S. strikes kill dozens in Pakistan, CNN, 2009-06-24