PESHAWAR, Pakistan (AP) - A suspected drone strike in Mir Ali, northwest Pakistan, resulted in the tragic deaths of four children and left five others injured, sparking outrage among local residents. Thousands of community members gathered to protest, placing the bodies of the deceased children on a major road, demanding justice for these innocent victims, according to local elders.
The incident occurred on Monday, but it remains unclear who was responsible for the attack in Mir Ali, an area known as a stronghold for the Pakistani Taliban. The military has yet to provide any comment regarding the event. Local tribal elder Mufti Baitullah spoke out during the protests, stating, "We are not blaming anyone, but we want justice, and the government should tell us who killed our children." He cautioned that the protest, currently staged at a local roadblock, could escalate if there are no answers forthcoming from the authorities.
Baitullah emphasized the community’s resolve, declaring, "We will not bury the bodies until we are told who is responsible for killing our innocent children," as demonstrators chanted "we want justice." This tragic event underscores the ongoing civilian casualties that have occurred during military strikes in various parts of Pakistan in recent years. For instance, in March of this year, a drone attack in the northwestern city of Mardan left 11 individuals dead, including women and children, as it targeted a residence believed to be housing militants. Following that attack, local residents protested until the government committed to compensating victims' families.
Abdullah Khan, the managing director of the Pakistan Institute for Conflict and Security Studies, noted that while militants have employed quadcopters to target security forces, the identity of those responsible for the recent drone strike in Mir Ali has not been established. Civilian casualties continue in the context of ongoing military operations aimed at the Pakistani Taliban, who maintain a significant presence in the region.
The Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), distinct from the Afghan Taliban, frequently conducts attacks against military forces in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, where Mir Ali is situated. Provincial minister Nayak Muhammad Dawar condemned the attack in a public statement, specifying that investigations into the incident were underway.
Historically, Mir Ali and its surrounding districts, located near the Afghan border, have served as bases for both the Pakistani Taliban and various other militant factions. Recently, the TTP has intensified its offensive operations in the area. As this situation develops, the demand for accountability and justice from local residents remains pressing, emphasizing the complex challenges faced in the region concerning both militant activity and civilian safety.
